Educating patients: a new necessity
Article Abstract:
Dentistry is moving away from its traditional role of treating dental caries and focusing instead on educating patients regarding preventive dentistry and various elective procedures. Because many dentists are too busy to educate patients themselves, the responsibility is being delegated to well-educated, personable and motivated dental assistants, hygienists and business staff members. Such personnel can be most effectively trained by conducting in-service educational sessions that are structured to meet the specific informational needs of the staff. Then, in turn, the staff members can educate patients with the help of visual aids such as casts of the mouth and panoramic radiographs as well as educational videotapes, pamphlets, books and photographs. Unless dentists can educate patients and provide them with useful therapies, they can anticipate that their patient load will steadily decline in the years ahead.
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 1993
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Educating patients about dental procedures
Article Abstract:
Dentists have an ethical and legal responsibility to educate their patients about dental procedures. Because the dental profession does not provide sufficient organized patient education materials, patients may be unaware of available dental treatments. Treatment plans must include all viable alternatives for an oral disease to enable the patient to give informed consent. Verbal explanations may be complemented with color pictures of actual treatment options, customized handouts, pamphlets, books, videos, or computer programs. Patients must understand the advantages and disadvantages of each treatment option in order to make a sound decision. The risks and costs of each alternative must be presented prior to therapy. The consequences of not treating a condition must be conveyed to patients. Patient education may be performed during diagnostic appointments, dental cleanings, and routine restorative therapy.
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 1995
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Educating Americans about dental care benefits
Article Abstract:
Educating employers and patients about dental care reimbursement options may help maintain cost-effective and quality dental care. The two widespread options available are third-party plans and individual arrangements with the dentist. Overhead expenses with third-party plans can consume up to 40% of each insurance premium dollar. Two other reimbursement alternatives include direct reimbursement and direct assignment. Through an aggressive marketing campaign, direct reimbursement may be gaining a stronger foothold. Direct assignment is an innovative program in use in Florida.
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 1997
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