Why do patients disregard a dentist’s advice? Why do they choose someone else’s services over ours? Especially when they can easily afford our services, are staying pretty close to our practice, they have seen our latest gadgets and gizmos. Shortly put, there is no logical reason for them to avoid our practice. And on the other hand why do they go elsewhere and spend twice of what they would have in our practice? And probably even end up boasting about their new crowns, laminates and new ‘whatever’.
The number of reasons if put together could fill up a book! Yet one reason stands out. Credibility. Yes, credibility! What gives doctors credibility? Look at it the other way around. What gives credibility to the car mechanic in whose hands we trusted our car for the first time that we did so? And how did he gain our confidence? Firstly by being an authorized care car center, not the ‘run of the mill’ type. By telling us beforehand what the car check would cost and then by patiently hearing us out and analyzing the problem carefully, examining our car in great detail and taking notes on the ‘job sheet’ while doing so. Coming up with a provisional explanation as to why that problem occurred, and only then offering a solution that any worldly wise person would easily accept. Finally explaining what all repairs and replacements would be needed in a systematic manner and writing against it the estimated expense for repairs, replacements and the labor charges plus taxes if any. His words then have “credibility’.
We as doctors should hear out our patients completely, do thorough examinations, conduct all needed tests and take radiographs if needed, compare our examination findings and test results, all according to a scientifically current protocol accepted worldwide, involve the patient at every step only then offer a logical diagnosis. Take your time and draw out a treatment plan in parlance with the patient, listing out necessary treatments and their sequence, the costs involved and how the payments are expected to be made. Always have a ‘plan B’ ready, in case your ‘plan A’ doesn’t appeal to the patient. Needless to say, be thoroughly trained for the proposed job and eventually execute the treatment just as you planned and as adroitly as possible. Be consistent in thought, word and deed. When we convey to the patient that we have really “understood” his problem and drawn up a “road map” to health and written in clear terms how we will go about it and finally how we expect to do be remunerated for our efforts we have created “credibility and trust” for ourselves in the eyes of our patients. And that credibility shall see us through decades of successful clinical practice!
In-credibly simple, isn’t it!
Author: Dr. Sanjay Jamdade is a senior practitioner practicing implantology, oral rehabilitation, conservative dentistry, and endodontics, with over 35 years of exemplary service in advancing dental care. He has been a speaker on dental implantology and a respected visiting implantologist across various clinics in Maharashtra, his expertise is widely recognized. Currently serving as the CEO of Dr. S.D. Jamdade Dental Clinic, he leads an establishment renowned for its excellence in aesthetic dentistry, microscope-assisted endodontics, dental implants, and comprehensive oral rehabilitation. Strategically situated near the prestigious Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS) in Boisar, Taluka Palghar, District Palghar, the clinic stands as a trusted bastion of high-quality dental care. For professional inquiries or consultations, Dr. S. D. Jamdade may be contacted via email at Sanjayjamdade@gmail.com.