A Dentist must be a Patient Advocate

administrator — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 21:11:33 +0000

In a growing market for dental practitioners, patients are faced with many choices. Questions like “Who’s the best dentist in town?” or “How do I know I’m getting the best treatment available?” can be a challenge to answer for patients. Needless to say, patients are most responsible for their own health and hygiene. But how can you expect to make the best decision without being adequately informed?

This is the fundamental question we at Amore (Dentistry) try to address everyday. It all starts by being a patient advocate. Now this isn’t some medical degree or certification you receive or maintain. Being an advocate means you start by treating your patient’s teeth like your own.

So during your next appointment, ask yourself these 5 questions:

How much does my doctor value my time? Is there a long wait time, even after scheduling an appointment?
Do you get an ‘appropriate’ amount of face-time with your doctor, and not the dental hygienist or assistant?
Is the doctor trying to market procedures that don’t seem necessary in the treatment plan?
Are you being ‘convinced’ to proceed with a procedure you’re not fully informed about?
Does the doctor give you an opportunity to ask questions?

…and see how it goes. Remember one thing: don’t take chances on your health, and especially not your teeth.

Cheers,

- Tushar

** Dr. Tushar Doshi (tdoshi@amoredentistry.com), owner of Amore Dentistry, is a leading dentist in implant and sedation dentistry with over 20 years of experience in the field.