Case acceptance for complete dentistry in the COVID-19 era
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DOT SHARECAST WITH DR. PAUL HOMOLY, CSP
Let’s talk about dentist communication and the importance of complete care. I am very excited to share the latest DOT SHARECAST with Dr. Paul Homoly! Dr. Homoly has been helping dentists with case acceptance for complete dentistry for many years and I encourage you to watch the full episode above.
Here is a summary of what we talked about.
What is Complete Dentistry?
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Many young dentists want to fix their patients’ teeth. They want to solve tangible problems and be done with it. But that isn’t complete dentistry.
Complete dentistry focuses on the big picture. It communicates the full scope of the situation, gives the patient options, and allows them to make decisions accordingly.
By definition, complete care is the minimum amount of dentistry required to restore patients to optimal function, aesthetics, phonetics, and in the last 10 years, airway.
We’ll dive into the details shortly. For the time being, it’s important to note that the evolution from tooth dentistry to complete dentistry lies in the dentist’s behavioral skills.
Focus on How the Patient Feels
In dental school, one might argue there isn’t enough emphasis on practicing empathy. Experts may touch briefly on the benefits of active listening. However, dentists early in their career tend to focus more on the technical side of things. But we need to hone in on we are influencing the patient. We need to think about how the patient feels, and reassure the patient they will be well cared for.
How I am doing this in COVID-19 era?
How I am doing this in COVID-19 era?
- Making eye contact
- Telling stories
- Smiling (mask-free in a telehealth consult)
Stop Trying to Educate the Patient
To be a leader, you need to speak like one. You need to act like one. And by doing so, you can build a strong connection with your patients—all by focusing on how they feel.
Some dentists think they can instill confidence by sharing all their knowledge. Trying to impress the patient with how much you know many times will only make them feel uneasy. It’s important instead to take the time to understand why the patient wants their teeth fixed.
Some dentists think they can instill confidence by sharing all their knowledge. Trying to impress the patient with how much you know many times will only make them feel uneasy. It’s important instead to take the time to understand why the patient wants their teeth fixed.
Read also: The Top Mistakes Young Dentists Make
We are trained to use complex dental vernacular, and to educate patients into doing treatment rather than trying to understand the patient’s goals. No matter your industry, getting to know the person you’re talking to is key.
In the latest DOT SHACAST, Dr. Paul Homoly shares the way many dentists approach their patients and gives the listeners an alternative that drastically increase the patient’s comfort level.
How NOT to approach the patient: “Now that I’m looking at your X-rays, I can see you have what we call periodontal pocketing. When the hygienist was doing your exam, you probably heard numbers like four, five, and six—and any number over two means you have inflammation.”
How to approach the patient: “Well, I understand you’re not happy with the appearance of your front teeth—but before we start talking about how to fix it, tell me something. It’s been a while since you’ve been to the dentist. What’s going now that makes you want to address your front teeth?”
It might be a child’s wedding, or another important event in the patient’s life. And by engaging the patient in this way, the dentist can build a stronger connection, share their own stories, and reveal who they are beyond their professional role.
The conversation will flow naturally and promote comfort. These conversations—by asking the right questions and listening—will help the dentist understand what the patient wants to do, along with the when and the why. This is all crucial to providing complete care.
Leadership Best Practices
Within and outside of dentistry, it may be worth looking into what leaders are doing right. How can stakeholders in any field build trust with their followers?
1. Leaders must help set the destination.
For example, a dentist might make it personal and say, “We’re going to make it so that the next time you’re with your family, you won’t be worried about your jaw.”
2. Leaders should provide resources for reaching that destination.
A dental leader might say, “I want you to know that dentistry of this nature is complex and time-consuming. I can assure you you’ll be safe and comfortable throughout.”
3. Leaders must give listeners the confidence to advance in their best interests.
It’s the confidence piece that’s far too often missing. Avoid giving the patient too much technical information, and instead speak to them in an open and friendly way.
1. Leaders must help set the destination.
For example, a dentist might make it personal and say, “We’re going to make it so that the next time you’re with your family, you won’t be worried about your jaw.”
2. Leaders should provide resources for reaching that destination.
A dental leader might say, “I want you to know that dentistry of this nature is complex and time-consuming. I can assure you you’ll be safe and comfortable throughout.”
3. Leaders must give listeners the confidence to advance in their best interests.
It’s the confidence piece that’s far too often missing. Avoid giving the patient too much technical information, and instead speak to them in an open and friendly way.
It may sound simple—but over 70% of dentists surveyed by Dr. Homoly admitted they aren’t providing complete care.
They may be afraid of overwhelming the patient or of losing them to sticker shock. They may be worried about how to respond if the patient says no to treatment.
Yet, not offering complete dentistry presents an ethical violation. And it’s especially paramount to provide it as we move through the coronavirus pandemic.
Read also: Defining Your Practice Culture
Complete Dentistry in the Context of COVID-19
These are complex times we’re living in. Yet complete care doesn’t necessarily mean complex care. It’s up to the patient to decide what they want. Sometimes, getting their teeth fixed might not be the next best step in the person’s life. It might instead be saving money, getting sober, losing weight, or tackling another goal.
There are so many reasons why people who want care might not get it—and it has nothing to do with a lack of understanding.
There are so many reasons why people who want care might not get it—and it has nothing to do with a lack of understanding.
Read also: The Times, They are a Changin’
Complete care isn’t something dentists should sell. The patient should be made aware of their options and move forward of their own will, rather than being manipulated into making a decision. The idea is to help patients advance in the direction of their own best interests.
The idea is to help patients advance in the direction of their own best interests.
With the pandemic in mind, we know that dentists aren’t presenting complete care to the extent that they should. And now more than ever, we know there is strong evidence that oral conditions can exacerbate systemic conditions. This makes complete dentistry all the more important.
How can dentists address this? By presenting everything they see to the patient. By making a full list of the conditions they find—and by acknowledging that there may be some conditions the patient might not want to treat. So the patient can expect a very thorough exam, but this is simply the new standard of care the dentist is following.
And for dentists who have a hard time slowing down and listening—there’s no better time than now to do just that. For more information, watch to Dr. Hartlieb’s full conversation with Dr. Homoly.
Exclusive Offer - Are Interested in a free consultation with Dr. Homoly? Dentists interested in learning more about complete care can book one here.
Your for better dentistry,
Dennis Hartlieb, DDS, AAACD
DOT Founder
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Meet Dr. Dennis Hartlieb
Dr. Dennis Hartlieb owns his own practice in Chicago,IL and has been teaching dentistry for over 30 years. Dr. Hartlieb is the CEO and the main instructor at Dental Online Training. He is an active member in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry where he’s both an Accredited Member and Examiner for Accreditation.
Dr. Hartlieb is also the President of the Chicago Academy of Interdisciplinary Dentofacial Therapy, and a member of the prestigious American Academy of Restorative Dentistry.
Dr. Hartlieb is also the President of the Chicago Academy of Interdisciplinary Dentofacial Therapy, and a member of the prestigious American Academy of Restorative Dentistry.
Meet Dr. Angela Luek
Dr. Angela M. Lueck is a Wisconsin native and was the youngest female in her class from Marquette University in 1998. Since completing her residency she has consistently taken more than 100 hours a year of continuing education to keep current on the latest trends, techniques, and materials available in dentistry.
She volunteers her time to teach at Marquette University providing the students additional training with anterior and posterior bonding techniques as well as dental photography. She is also the co-chair of the mentorship program at the University. Dr. Lueck has been voted as one of Milwaukee’s top dentists multiple times by Milwaukee Magazine.
She volunteers her time to teach at Marquette University providing the students additional training with anterior and posterior bonding techniques as well as dental photography. She is also the co-chair of the mentorship program at the University. Dr. Lueck has been voted as one of Milwaukee’s top dentists multiple times by Milwaukee Magazine.
Meet Clare O'Neill
Clare O’Neill is the Director of Operations at Dental Online Training and has a professional background in digital marketing. Clare has certifications in content marketing and digital advertising. Clare has expertise in social media marketing, email marketing, content marketing, website management, and project management. Clare has been using Canva for over 5 years and is a self-proclaimed Canva Queen.
Clare graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelor’s degree is Sociology. Clare wanted you to know that she is a dog person, loves the colors emerald green and periwinkle, and would eat french fries at every meal if she could!
Clare graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelor’s degree is Sociology. Clare wanted you to know that she is a dog person, loves the colors emerald green and periwinkle, and would eat french fries at every meal if she could!
Meet Dr. Jim Mckee
Dr. McKee is a member of the Spear Resident Faculty. He has maintained a private practice since 1984 in Downers Grove, Illinois where he treats a wide variety of cases with a focus on predictable restorative dentistry. He is a member of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry and former president of the American Equilibration Society.
He has lectured both nationally and internationally for over 25 years and directs several study clubs. Dr. McKee graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1980 and earned his dental degree from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry in 1984.
He has lectured both nationally and internationally for over 25 years and directs several study clubs. Dr. McKee graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1980 and earned his dental degree from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry in 1984.
Meet Kirk Behrendt
Kirk Behrendt is a renowned consultant and speaker in the dental industry, known for his expertise in helping dentists create better practices and better lives.
With over 25 years of experience in the field, Kirk has dedicated his professional life to optimizing the best systems and practices in dentistry.
Kirk Behrendt is the founder of ACT Dental, and his vision is driven by the commitment to provide highly personalized care to the dental profession. By creating a talented team of experts, Kirk and his team continue to positively impact the practice of dentistry on practice at a time. Kirk lectures all over the world to help individuals take control of their own lives.
With over 25 years of experience in the field, Kirk has dedicated his professional life to optimizing the best systems and practices in dentistry.
Kirk Behrendt is the founder of ACT Dental, and his vision is driven by the commitment to provide highly personalized care to the dental profession. By creating a talented team of experts, Kirk and his team continue to positively impact the practice of dentistry on practice at a time. Kirk lectures all over the world to help individuals take control of their own lives.
Meet Dr. Melissa Seibert
Melissa Seibert is a comprehensive dentist proudly serving in the Air Force. She holds a dual faculty appointment at Uniformed Services University and Creighton Dental School. She serves on the editorial board for Inside Dentistry.
Her current research projects involve investigating ceramic overlays, zirconia and salivary contamination of universal adhesives. Dr. Seibert is the creator and host of the top dental podcast, Dental Digest. She lectures to national and international audiences.
Her current research projects involve investigating ceramic overlays, zirconia and salivary contamination of universal adhesives. Dr. Seibert is the creator and host of the top dental podcast, Dental Digest. She lectures to national and international audiences.
Meet Olivia Wisden
Olivia Wisden is the founder & CEO of TwoLips Creative. What started as an events discovery app pivoted into a creative agency that specializes in working with startups, small businesses, and organizations who are looking for bold, impactful designs and strategies.
She has worked with dozens of brands over the years ranging from the City of Madison to product launches and beyond.
She has worked with dozens of brands over the years ranging from the City of Madison to product launches and beyond.
Meet Dr. Sofya Kats
Dr. Sofya Kats is local to Milwaukee, WI. She grew up in Bayside and attended Nicolet HS, UW-Milwaukee and Marquette University School of Dentistry. Dr. Kats is a member of the Greater Milwaukee Dental Association, Wisconsin Dental Association, American Dental Association, and The Forum Study Club (oldest Dental Study Club in the United States).
Dr. Kats loves the art of dentistry, and healing it can bring to her patients. She volunteers her time by going on international dental mission trips and local events, such as the Mission of Mercy (free dental care sponsored by the Wisconsin Dental Association).
Dr. Kats loves the art of dentistry, and healing it can bring to her patients. She volunteers her time by going on international dental mission trips and local events, such as the Mission of Mercy (free dental care sponsored by the Wisconsin Dental Association).