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Emphasis on Personalized Care
In the college’s Advanced Education in General Dentistry
Residency Program, residents are familiarized with some of the
difficulties that can occur as a result of traumatic experiences. One
lecture includes a special guest speaker, an assault victim who
shares with residents what it’s like to live through the aftermath
of such an event, which often includes some degree of posttraumatic stress disorder. At least once during the year, fourthyear dental students also get exposure to patients with anxieties
and special needs during a rotation in the AEGD clinic.
“When dentists have a basic understanding of the difficulties that
survivors face, they can help to create an environment that feels
safe,” says Kirsten Zitzewitz, AEGD clinic coordinator. “As a
result, this can help prevent last-minute appointment cancellations as well as help the actual appointment flow in a smooth and
productive manner. Most importantly, it can be a positive experience for the survivor that can aid in the survivor’s recovery.”
One of the go-to methods: informal question-and-answer sessions
between the oral health professional and patient. Benefits of the
initial “meet and greet” are two-fold.
“The AEGD residents learn how to communicate through empathetic listening and speaking skills to build the highest level of rapport with special patients, which does a lot to allay apprehension
and raise the pain threshold,” says Dr. Charles Wakefield, professor and director of the AEGD program. At the same time, the dentist gets to know the patient on a personal level.
Regardless of the cause of anxiety, when patients’ fears are
addressed in an effective manner, not only are they more likely to
return for routine preventive care, but hygienists and dentists are
more likely to feel rewarded from the interaction.
“The takeaway message for me is that the benefit is a two-way
street,” says Utt. “The oral health care providers who practice these
techniques will have a healthier and happier career. And the
patients can get over their dental anxiety. When both parties benefit, why wouldn’t you want to do that? You sharpen your skill of
observation, that’s so much of it.”
Founded in 1905, Texas A&M University Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas
is a college of the Texas A&M Health Science Center. TAMBCD is a nationally
recognized center for oral health sciences education, research, specialized
patient care and continuing dental education.
Jennifer Eure Fuentes is a communications specialist at Texas A&M Health
Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry. A 2006 graduate of Texas Christian
University, she has worked in the communications and editorial field for
five years.
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