When it comes to family dental care, you’ll be working with people of all ages.
This means that you need to personalize yourself with everybody who walks into your office. It will help each patient feel comfortable when sitting in your dentist’s chair.
Ready to learn how to administer some of the best family dental care in your office? Read these 7 helpful tips to find out more.
1. Create a Relationship
Your relationship with your patient starts the moment you meet them. It’s important to have a good relationship with them.
Upon meeting them, introduce yourself as their dentist. Don’t forget to ask them about themselves also.
If the whole family has come in for dental care, remember to introduce yourself to the kids as well.
2. Tell Your Patient Everything
Many patients experience anxiety when visiting the dentist, especially children.
A good way to combat this is to talk to them about what you’re doing. Explain what each tool will do before using it.
For children, the noises of your equipment can be intimidating. Explaining what each tool does can put their mind at ease. It will help them understand that it’s nothing to be afraid of.
3. Approach Each Patient Differently
Depending on the ages of your patients, different approaches may work better.
With smaller children, you may focus on the basics of good oral hygiene. This could include the proper way to brush.
You could teach older children about new techniques. They likely have the basics down already, so showing them a flossing trick might be a great way to connect with them.
For adults, you can guide them on things they could be doing better. You could also give them tips on how to keep their kids brushing and flossing.
4. Know Their Limits
The comfort of your patient should always come first. They should always be consensual to the treatment you are proposing.
If they express that they aren’t comfortable, you should respect this. Always let them decide on their own terms.
However, explaining the benefits or the process of the treatment can be helpful. In some cases, it can make them feel more comfortable.
5. Always End on a Positive Note
Ending your appointment on a positive note is a great way to make your patient feel good.
You could do this by telling them something that they’re doing well. If they’re doing a great job of flossing, let them know!
You can give kids a toothbrush or other freebie as a reward for their great dental hygiene. Or, you can tell them what a great patient they were to have.
6. Keep It Affordable
Affordable dental care is important for many families.
With affordable options, your patients will be happy to keep coming back. It is also great if you can point them in the right direction for insurance to help them cover their dental costs.
7. Follow-Up With Your Patients
After your appointment with the family, it’s a great gesture to follow up with patients.
If you’ve filled a cavity, you could call the patient to ask how they’re feeling a few days later. This shows that you care and builds your relationship with your patient.
Take Your Family Dental Care to the Next Level
With these tips, you’re ready to improve the care that your practice will provide. Your patients will be more comfortable to come in for appointments with you for advanced dental care.
Are you interested in pursuing family dental care as a career? Contact us at Southern Ontario Dental College to find out how we can help you!