Tribune News Network
Doha
The goal of promoting patient comfort and safety during dental visits is to provide a safe and clean environment, keeping them away from the risks of infection and various diseases, an expert has said.
Dr. Najat Alyafei, Manager of Oral Health Promotion and Prevention at the Preventative Health Directorate at Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), said that during the first dental visit, the dentist takes several steps to provide effective care and understand the patient’s oral care needs.
However, the importance of informing the patient about the clinic’s cleanliness and equipment may be overlooked. Even though the dentist is confident in the clinic’s cleanliness, lack of clarification and explanation may cause some patients to worry about their safety.
Personal information and general health history are recorded initially. At this point, the dentist or their assistant should also summarise the attention given to clinic disinfection and sterilisation to ensure the patient’s comfort.
Dr. Alyafei added that the patient should also pay attention to personal hygiene of the clinic staff, following proper personal hygiene procedures, including coat, wearing gloves and masks when necessary. Furthermore, Dr. Alyafei urged the patient to notice mask and glove usage by the dental team during the visit.
The patient should not hesitate to inquire about the sterilisation or cleanliness procedures and express any concerns for their safety and comfort. The patient also has the right to monitor the cleanliness of the clinic environment.
She also noted that patients have the right to evaluate the responses of the medical team to their inquiries and concerns. Positive interaction and transparency reflect a commitment to the patient’s safety. Patients also have the right to speak openly if they feel any concern or have questions, contributing to building a strong trust between the patient and the dental team.
During the initial dental visit, after assessing general health, the dentist conducts a comprehensive examination, checking for various oral and overall health issues such as cavities, gum inflammation, mouth diseases, jaw problems, and more. X-rays may be recommended for a thorough evaluation. The goal is early diagnosis and creating a treatment plan.
The dentist discusses potential problems, sets oral health goals, and provides treatment options. The patient receives guidance on personal dental care, and future treatment dates are determined. Dr. Alyafei emphasises building understanding and trust for ongoing care.
In subsequent visits, based on the agreed-upon plan, the dentist reviews oral health developments, evaluates previous treatment, performs teeth cleaning, and offers oral care advice. Ongoing monitoring, scheduling future appointments, and providing guidance contribute to maintaining oral health and achieving treatment goals.
Good communication between the patient and dentist is crucial, clarifying any possible changes in the treatment plan. Dentists should seriously work on providing guidance and clarification to the patient about any possible changes, reducing the negative psychological impact and enhancing trust in oral and dental health care. Patients have the right to know the treatment plan and request it from the dentist to be aware of what the dentist will offer in future visits.
In conclusion, it is crucial to prioritise patient comfort and safety during dental visits to ensure the delivery of effective and appropriate care. Therefore, the patient has the right to receive information about their treatment plan, express their concerns openly, and actively participate in decisions related to their oral health.
Dentists must be aware of the negative psychological impact on the patient when moving between multiple general dentists or from a general dentist to a specialist without prior notification and explanation. Thus, fostering transparency between the patient and their dentist helps establish a communicative relationship, allowing dental professionals to address patient concerns, build trust, and encourage continuous oral health care.
