Approaching my reception area, I glance over the counter at my next patient, she is visibly nervous. Hands clasped, not making a sound, she waits to meet me, the dreaded dentist. According to her mom, I will be the third doctor this year. The last appointment failed so miserably that general sedation in an operating room for basic fillings and extractions of loose baby teeth was presented as the only option! I study her face, and think to myself, no worries girl …we got this!
With Anna, as with most fearful patients, trust was key. For Anna, it was not a previous “bad experience” or pain that triggered her fear but the concept of complete vulnerability, that was unsettling. To understand Anna, she is a rule follower, a straight A student. She did not want to be difficult or to misbehave, her fear was instinctive. It was the idea that, me, a stranger would be in her personal space and that she was not in control. And, in my experience, Anna is not alone.
To be a dentist or physician, is an enormous responsibility. Our patients rely on our ability to communicate their needs and then deliver care in such a way that they feel safe, and secure. So that within this vulnerability, they can find trust. And it works both ways.
In my life and practice, I have been amazed by the depth of consideration and kindness I have experienced in the doctor-patient relationship. From cards, letters and thoughtful words, my patients have gone the extra mile to be supportive and thoughtful of me, in difficult times. They have inspired and educated me on so many things like how to successfully cook a roast in a crockpot to parenting tips as a new mom to advice on grieving and healing after the loss of my own mother. To reach this level of trust in my office, requires commitment and time from both parties. It requires a mutual goal of achieving something worthwhile and moving forward together. And Anna was no exception.
Ten months and eight “trust building visits” later, we began the simple extractions and fillings. We worked at a steady and slow pace and Anna did fantastic. She trusted and persevered improving her homecare and doing her part to achieve success. And this was only the beginning. In the next phases of treatment, we developed Anna’s narrow upper jaw using dental facial orthopedic appliances designed to guide her growth, open her airway, enhance nasal breathing, and allow her permanent teeth to erupt into a healthier arch form. We straightened her teeth and used implants to replace the congenitally missing ones. Even more exciting, this intervention contributed to the reversal of her “acid reflux” diagnosis, helping her feel better and eliminating the need for medication!
I share this story for two reasons. First, I am so grateful that Anna was willing to place her trust in us. The opportunity to help her has been amazing and it is one that I will never forget. Anna is a true example of how impactful health-centered dentistry can be. Second, I believe Anna’s story is an excellent illustration of the power we all have as humans to positively impact one another when we take the time to recognize the opportunity before us.