Al Roker
Every patient is an individual, but sometimes we can identify certain behaviors that are just classic in dentistry. No one wants to hear bad news. So when we examine our patients and we find something…anything, there is that moment when you could hear a pin drop. We have to deliver the news…that’s our obligation, and honestly most dentists don’t really enjoy that part of the job. The other morning I had just that situation. I had to deliver the news…a couple of fillings and a new crown.
Then the negotiation begins.
Whether the reason is fear or cost, the reaction can be denial.
I don’t know where it came from but I just blurted out, “I’m just here to tell you the weather…if I tell you it’s going to rain and you don’t take your umbrella…well you’re going to get wet.”
She looked at me, smiled and got the message.
Later on during the day I thought about how many times I’ve blown that scenario. When I did…things always turn bad.
I think the reason is that no one likes to be judged. I know I don’t…and yet dentists are in a position to make judgements everyday…and sometimes those judgements get confused.
Let’s not turn a bad tooth into a bad person.
The two biggest fears in life are not having enough and not being enough—and when not having enough turns into not being enough, that will destroy a relationship.
Dentists are guilty of this in our noble intent to motivate patients toward treatment.
Maybe we should take a tip from cheerful weatherman Al Roker…let’s just tell them the weather, and stay away from judgements.