4 ways dental assistants can effectively educate patients
When it comes to patient education, dental assistants play a key role. Treatment plans can often seem intimidating for patients because a lot of potentially unfamiliar information is being thrown at them at once. While the dentist is responsible for diagnosing and creating care plans, dental assistants can help patients understand the reasons for and outcomes of different treatment options.
Providing clear, accurate education can help build patient-provider trust, which is a crucial aspect of carrying out treatment plans.
Here are some ways dental assistants can effectively provide patient education.
Break down treatment plans step-by-step
It’s essential for treatment plans to be broken down so patients understand next steps and what they are responsible for. For example, if the doctor prescribes a high fluoride toothpaste, explain how it will benefit them, what time of day they should use it, how to apply it, and any considerations to watch out for. Spelling out this information can provide patients with a deeper understanding of oral care and help them successfully follow through on their treatment.
Doing so also gives patients ample opportunity to voice any questions or concerns they may have. Treatment plans sometimes include technical terms that are unfamiliar to patients. Any terms or procedures that are more complex must be explained in a way that’s easily digestible for patients. For instance, it’s clearer to refer to prophylaxis as a routine professional cleaning. While clinical terminology is second nature for dental assistants, rephrasing dental jargon when communicating with patients can avoid any confusion.
Show patients how to do their part in dental care
Dental assistants can offer to demonstrate any at-home preventive measures or aftercare steps, so patients know what to do outside of the dental chair. This is especially beneficial for new patients and for those who have not had a lot of dental work. The average patient only visits the dentist once or twice a year, so dental assistants should take advantage of the time in each appointment to clearly lay out what patients need to do in their own time, such as proper brushing and flossing techniques or how to take care of their mouth after a procedure. Explaining what these at-home efforts do can also help motivate patients to do their part in caring for their teeth.
Meet patients where they’re at
People have busy lives, and it’s easy for dental care to be placed on the back burner amid other responsibilities. After visiting the dentist, patients can get overwhelmed by implementing new steps in their oral care routine. This is where it is essential to have a personalized approach for each patient and tailor their at-home care to their specific capabilities. Rather than suggesting an overhaul to the patient’s diet, recommend switching from soda or other sugary drinks to water. Reframing your at-home care instructions to meet patients where they’re at can help them feel less judged and inspired to make small improvements over time. Dental assistants often spend more one-on-one time with patients than other staff members, so they are in a prime position to communicate with patients and figure out what routines will work best for them.
Be a source of support
In some cases, patients might still have some reservations, even after treatment plans are broken down and they understand what will happen next. Dental assistants can provide extra measures of support to help the patient feel reassured every step of the way. This can include answering questions for clarification, listening to their concerns and providing information to ease their worries, and educating the patient on the reasons behind treatment options. Dental assistants can also refer patients to other educational resources, such as information packets, to address any questions that may arise outside of the office.
How patients are treated in the dental chair can greatly influence their outlook on overall oral health, and dental assistants help ensure a patient feels comfortable and heard throughout treatment. A trusting relationship is built when patients feel supported — a key aspect for successful treatment.