Research estimates that 60-70% of people experience some anxiety about receiving
dental care. Not only is the experience of most dental visits off putting from a sensory
standpoint, a barrier for many is the shame they feel about their mouth/body. Some
patients report having been treated poorly be healthcare providers, having been
lectured that they’ve let their health go, made to feel bad about their current
circumstances or just made to feel self-conscious in general. This adds to the
vulnerability that already exists for patients in receiving care.
We can do it better. We can train out teams about empathy and patient anxiety, so they
can be more compassionate and understand the perspective of the patient. We can
encourage gentle approaches to education, being conscientious not to direct blame on
the patient. We can get curious about why the patient is in the current situation or why
they have put off care. With open ended questioning, insight may emerge that can help
the provider get the patient more comfortable, dispel fears, or provide appropriate
education.
What does shaming a patient do for anyone? Helps the provider feel like the authority?
Why do providers do this? How are they doing so unknowingly?
When patients feel comfortable and not judged, they are more likely to maintain their
care (patient retention is good for business) and tell their friends and family that they
have found a clinic that understands them and is caring (creating new referrals, which is
also good for business).
