Patients—can’t live with ‘em, can’t live without ‘em. Am I right? But seriously, sometimes your patients are incredibly positive and easy-going, and other times… not so much. Such is life. But how are you supposed to deal with your worst patients, and still get them the care they need?
You want to help them, but it’s not always an easy task. At Molar Media Mount, we understand the struggles you go through with some of your more high-maintenance patients, so we’ve brought you some tried and true tips to help you out.
Listen To Them
If your patient is incredibly anxious about going to the dentist, probably due to some type of braces-related trauma in their past, then actually taking the time to listen to their concerns can do wonders for their confidence. You barely even have to respond to what they tell you. Just listen to them vent, and then say, “Okay, I understand where you’re coming from. Now will you please come out from under that table and take a seat?”
Play Soothing Music
You’ll really have to strike a balance here because the music you play will really set the tone for the day. No, you can’t play Slayer, but don’t drift too far into the Marvin Gaye realm, or you’ll have a lawsuit on your hands.
Have Compassion
If your walls are thin, it may not be a good idea to let your assistant know what a baby your patient is being. People are scared of weird things. The dentist happens to be one of them. No need to kick them while they’re down.
Reassure Them
An anxious patient is just waiting for something, anything, to go wrong and justify their fears. Be reassuring. Point out the sign on your wall that lets everyone know how many days it’s been since the last workplace accident. “See?” you’ll say, “It’s been four whole days since the last accident. And that guy hardly lost any teeth!”
Bring In Moral Support
Is your anxious patient a child? Well, let mom or dad come in the room with them so they have some support. Of course, you should ask them how old they are several times, and then drop passive-aggressive remarks about how they’re “growing up so fast.”
Show Them A Movie
Oh, what’s that? You don’t have a way to show your patients movies? You don’t say. Well, if you want an effective way to keep your anxious patients preoccupied during a procedure, then look no further than the Molar Media Mount. It attaches directly onto your dental light, and costs a fraction of what it takes to mount a TV. Simply snap in an iPad Mini or another tablet under 16”, and you’ve got the perfect distraction ready for even your worst patients.
If you’d like to learn more about the Molar Media Mount, check out our website or contact us today.