North Texas Dentistry Volume 8 Issue 3 2018 ISSUE 3 DE | Page 19

generational influences undergird every individual. Influences
such as these are always changing and require dental profes-
sionals to stay knowledgeable on these subjects.
There are four main generations currently living – millennial,
generation X, baby boomers, and the silent generation. Each
generation looks quite different and has characteristics norma-
tive to their specific generation label.
practice rather than the care of the patient. The focus simply
must remain on the patient. In other words, systems should be
built on what patients want, need, and desire rather than on
what is best for the dental practice, easiest for the team, and
most comfortable for the doctor. Every decision and system
should be created out of a desire for one thing – better service
and results for the patient.
Third, recognize the complexity of the individual while also rec-
ognizing the essential requirement to connect with each indi-
vidual. While the disconnected nature of the 21 st century can
distract from this goal, connectedness is foundational to ensur-
ing the long-term health of patients. Each individual is unique
and is therefore complex. Each has their own genetic makeup,
their own preferences, their own experiences, their own health
history, and their own knowledge. The only way to discover
these individual complexities is to connect. Moving out of the
era of “doctor knows best” and into a patient-centric model
requires rethinking every aspect of the patient experience.
Connecting now requires extra effort and a willingness to chart
into the uncomfortable waters of individually relating to
another person. Connecting requires time. In order to relate to
another individual, it is necessary to research and understand
all of the factors that could be influencing the individual in the
dental chair. In addition to the broad-spectrum research, con-
necting also requires taking the time to listen and think on
behalf of the patient. Each patient should represent his or her
own challenging intricacies to the practicing dentist, and these
challenges should inspire effort – effort to relate, connect, and
provide customized care.
Fourth, make time to understand the influences on patients.
The individual subjective influences are absolutely important
and should be factored into discussions. However, cultural and
Millennials are those born starting in 1981 and continuing
today. They are literally the future of all things right now, and
it is important to consider their characteristics tendencies. It is
important to evaluate both their strengths and their weak-
nesses. Millennials are often called the “Me Generation” due to
their self-focused tendencies. Two primary reasons explain this
self-focus – parenting strategies and the digital age. During this
parenting era, parents were encouraged to praise their children,
criticize only when necessary, and ensure that children rarely,
if ever, experienced disappointment. In addition, this genera-
tion was born into the digital age where they post comments,
videos, and creations on the Internet and receive immediate
feedback in the way of likes, comments, and shares. However,
this generation is also very optimistic and hopeful. They are the
generation most prone to service in the community. They are
quick to serve and to come to the aid of those in need or to be a
voice for recipients of injustices. Millennials often exhibit a slow
walk to adulthood and often live in their childhood home after
their college experience. This is due in part to the economy and
lack of jobs but is also due to their unwillingness to accept jobs
not grand enough for them. They are always hopeful to find
something better. As the largest generation living, it is critical
to know the factors that influence and characterize them so that
dental teams can better serve this population.
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