I recently interviewed a doctor to develop dental patient education videos for his practice.\u00a0 The doctor\u2019s winning personality and professional demeanor came across very well on video.\u00a0 He has a very fluid and easy speaking style and he inspires confidence.\u00a0 This doctor asked me a great question.\u00a0 He wanted to know if his interview answers should contain just the positive side of dental procedures or whether he should also talk about potential complications to cover informed consent.<\/p>\n
My answer is that we have to make a distinction between relating positive stories to patients as part of patient education and sitting down with a patient to discuss a specific treatment plan.\u00a0 For purposes of a patient education video, the doctor has every right to talk about success stories.\u00a0 As long as the information is totally factual, there is no problem.\u00a0 If the success rate with dental implants in his office is 98%, he can say that.\u00a0 If\u00a0 a patient told him with tears in her eyes that the treatment he provided \u201cchanged her life,\u201d then that is a powerful human interest story that he should share.<\/p>\n
Patients are looking for solutions to their problems, and doctors routinely solve problems and improve the quality of patients\u2019 lives.\u00a0 Quoting statistics accurately and relating positive comments from patients are perfectly acceptable ways to get the word out about services provided.<\/p>\n
When discussing a particular course of treatment recommended for a patient, the doctor should explain that every dental procedure comes with risks.\u00a0 The documentation of informed consent should be thorough, consistent, and systematic and done in accordance with all applicable laws.\u00a0 However, the need to review the possible complications of a procedure should not prevent doctors from truthfully stating that they have successfully treated many patients who are now very happy with their results.<\/p>\n
In practice management, think of patient education as talking up dentistry to get people\u2019s attention.\u00a0 The goal is to make patients aware, peak their interest, and motivate them to come to the office to learn how dental treatment can help them.\u00a0 Once the discussion turns to the patient\u2019s individualized treatment plan, informed consent should be part of the process so that the patient can make a fully informed decision.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"