There are so many dentists and hygienists who will empathise with you when you tell them that you’re struggling to educate your patients. While we know you’re the expert, having a quick recap on ways you could try explaining things can make a big difference. Don’t think this will work based on past experience?
You only have to take a quick look at our thriving collection of well-being articles to see that people across the country are more health-conscious than ever before. And if you’re not a dentist and just stumbled across this article because you want to care for your teeth, you’ll be able to put all of the advice into action without
Happy reading!
Regular brushing is fundamental
Dentists recommend patients brush at least twice daily, and yet millions of patients across the country don’t seem to do it. There are many who brush correctly, a lot who brush infrequently, and a sizeable majority who rarely brush at all. The problem — as every dentist will confirm — is that patients who do this are simply saving up issues for later in life.
A practice that has a model set of teeth, complete with gums, and a demo toothbrush set up in the treatment room can do a great job at educating its patients. The more someone understands the reasons for brushing, including the subtle differences in brushing patterns in various parts of the mouth, the more likely they are to get it right. Once a good habit sticks, it can last a lifetime with the right education regarding the benefits.
Flossing in the evening
Dentists who recommend flossing typically do so as an activity that should be done after a patient’s evening meal. Floss, while clearly very mobile, is rarely taken out of the house by people in the UK. This is in contrast to countries such as the US where flossing is far more common and is often done during the working day.
Dental practices that recommend flossing to their patients are able to generate a new stream of repeat revenue. Patients who floss are able to reach the awkward gaps and overlapping surfaces that are present between neighbouring teeth.
Recommend interdental brushing
While many patients will have no idea what interdental brushing is, the ability of this technique to avoid a filling or removal really does speak for itself. If a dentist recommends the best interdental brushes to their patients they can sell a product at an appointment while boosting patient outcomes. Taking this type of approach helps practices operate as successful businesses by generating additional revenue at the same time as improving their reputation at the centre of the local community. This is a clear win for everyone involved.
Oral irrigators and water picks
A growing number of dentists are suggesting that their patients take a look at the benefits of water picks because of their ability to tackle hard-to-reach places. While the cost of these devices may put some patients off, others will ask their practice to recommend a suitable model for their needs.
There is a wide selection of video tutorials available online that demonstrate correct and safe usage, but care should always be taken. A skilled dentist will be able to provide guidance on whether or not a water pick or irrigator is suitable for a particular patient. If you are the patient, you could ask for a recommendation; and if you are the dentist, you could consider selling the hardware.
Scheduling check-ups in advance
Dentists and patients who can align their schedules several months in advance by booking a regular check-up make a winning team. So often there are small issues that go unnoticed at home but that stand out straight away to a skilled professional. Regular check-ups allow these small issues to be tackled long before they become something serious that requires an emergency walk-in appointment.
Many practices now offer a repeat service that keeps patient attendance high and also offers opportunities for business growth. Practice managers who use these services to meet seasonal demand for dentistry, for example, can grow the business while enhancing patient outcomes.
Finish with an anti-bacterial mouthwash
Patients who use anti-bacterial mouthwash recommended by dentists will improve the health of their teeth with minimal effort. Dentists who choose to stock and sell the mouthwash they want their patients to use will be able to generate additional revenue for their practice. What do we take away from this? No matter whether the reader of this article is a patient or a professional, the right mouthwash can make a real difference.
We hope you have found this guide useful, both from a patient and a practice perspective, and that it has highlighted the many options that are out there.
