Communication is a two-way street, and it is important for both you as the patient and me as your dentist to explain our concerns and expectations so that appropriate treatment is agreed upon.
Effective Communication Starts Before Treatment
It is critical for you to let our dental team know your concerns and expectations, whether they relate to health, pain, function, or cosmetics.
Many patients’ main concern is health and function, with minimal cosmetic concerns. If that is true for you, it is critical to let us know that you are not interested in procedures that are primarily cosmetic. Other patients’ primary reason for visiting our practice is for cosmetic improvement, and you need to communicate your specific esthetic issues. Common concerns include the desire for whiter, straighter, or larger teeth. Modern dentistry offers a range of treatment possibilities from simple whitening to orthodontic treatment to veneers or crowns.
Understanding Your Dentist’s Concerns
While your primary reason for being at a dental office may be cosmetic improvement, the dentists’ priority and obligation is your health. Many dental issues don’t cause pain until they are advanced, and you might be unaware of dental health issues. Achieving a healthy smile should be both your objective.
Why Self-Advocacy Matters in the Dental Chair
While achieving oral health is important no matter what your smile goals are, it is important for you to understand your health risks and treatment alternatives.
Your mouth is uniquely yours, and so are your concerns, pain thresholds, and goals for your smile. When you advocate effectively, you help the dental team provide more personalized care that addresses your specific needs rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.
Communication Creates Confidence
The foundation of self-advocacy is clear communication. Before your appointment even begins, consider what you hope to achieve. Are you experiencing pain? Concerned about a specific tooth? Interested in cosmetic improvements? Writing down your questions and concerns helps ensure nothing gets forgotten in the moment.
During your visit, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if something doesn’t make sense. Dental terminology can be confusing, and your dentist appreciates it when you seek to understand your treatment options. Remember: there are no “stupid questions” when it comes to your health.
The Risks of Delaying Treatment
One crucial aspect of dental care that you should understand is the risk of postponing recommended treatments:
- Small cavities can progress to deeper decay requiring more extensive and expensive treatments like root canals or extractions
- Early gum disease can advance to periodontitis, potentially leading to tooth loss and bone deterioration
- Cracked teeth may fracture completely if not reinforced promptly
- Infections can spread to other parts of your body, potentially causing serious health complications
- Missing teeth not replaced promptly can lead to shifting of adjacent teeth, bite problems, and bone loss
What might seem like a minor issue today could become a painful, costly emergency tomorrow. Prevention and early intervention are always less invasive and more cost-effective than waiting until problems become severe.
Setting Boundaries Improves Care
One aspect of self-advocacy many patients overlook is setting clear boundaries. This might include:
- Requesting breaks during longer procedures
- Establishing hand signals to communicate when you’re uncomfortable
- Being honest about your anxiety levels
- Discussing pain management options beforehand
Your dentist can provide better care when your boundaries are articulated. If you need a moment to breathe or rinse, that brief pause helps us continue more effectively afterward. Your comfort directly impacts the quality of treatment.
Financial Transparency Leads to Better Decisions
Dental care involves financial considerations, and self-advocacy extends to this aspect as well. Ask me about:
- Treatment alternatives at different price points
- Insurance coverage details
- Payment plan options
- Prioritization of treatments if budget constraints exist
When you advocate for financial transparency, you make more informed decisions about your care. This often leads to better long-term outcomes as treatment plans align with both your clinical needs and financial realities.
The Long-Term Benefits of Self-Advocacy
Patients who consistently advocate for themselves experience several advantages:
- More personalized treatment plans that address their specific concerns and goals
- Reduced anxiety through increased understanding and control
- Better preventive care as they’re more likely to discuss emerging issues early
- Stronger dentist-patient relationships built on mutual respect and communication
- Greater treatment satisfaction with results that align with their expectations
How to Become a Better Self-Advocate
If self-advocacy doesn’t come naturally to you, here are some practical steps:
- Prepare questions in advance and bring them with you
- Bring a support person to appointments if you feel uncomfortable speaking up
- Request visual aids or models to better understand proposed procedures
- Ask for written treatment plans and take time to review them before deciding
- Provide feedback after procedures about what worked well and what didn’t
- Remember that you are both the customer and the patient
A Personal Note from Your Dentist
As a dental professional, I want you to have the best experience possible. Your active participation helps me provide better care. When you advocate for yourself effectively, it doesn’t create conflict—it builds our partnership.
The patients I remember most fondly are those who engaged fully in their dental care, asked thoughtful questions, and communicated their needs clearly. Your self-advocacy doesn’t just improve your outcomes; it makes me a better dentist.
So at your next appointment, speak up. Your smile—and I as your dentist—will thank you for it. Call us at (212)246-8700 to set up a consultation today! Follow Gallery57Dental on Facebook here!
