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May 2009 | Dental Products Report  Photo: Stockbyte/Getty Images Get them to listen You told us your patients aren’t complying. Here’s what you can do to help them find the motivation they need to change their ways.  Hear about compliance straight from patients in three exclusive interviews.  Photo: Andy Sotiriou/ Want to create high-tech/high-touch continuing care in your practice? Check out our Web Exclusive from the Pride Institute, All Roads Lead to Hygiene. Rob West thought he was doing everything right. He brushed when he was supposed to. He flossed regularly. He didn’t smoke or drink. Just as he took care of his body by eating right and exercising, he did what he thought was necessary to keep his mouth in the best shape possible. That’s why he was shocked when his new dentist told him his gums were showing early signs of periodontal disease. West already had a nice smile, but he wanted to add crowns for that extra ‘wow’ factor. That led him to Dr. Chris Kammer’s cosmetic practice in Wisconsin. After his first cleaning there, West found out his mouth wasn’t in the shape he thought it was. That was all the motivation he needed. “I was really shocked and almost angered. How could this be? I’m such a conscious person when it comes to my teeth care,” West said. “My old dentist didn’t say anything about my gums being bad. He told me my teeth and gums looked great. I was really taken aback by that, but I also was really open to fixing it.” Once he had the tools he needed—tools he could get through his dentist’s office—West went to work. Now he’s known in Dr. Kammer’s office as the man with “gums of steel,” gums that just won’t bleed. Not your typical patient Most patients who walk into your office don’t have West’s level of focus or motivation to keep their mouths healthy. According to the March 2009 DPR Periodontal Survey (see “About this DPR survey” at the end of this article), many GPs indicated patient compliance as the most challenging aspect of the perio services they provide, which included both home care and following treatment recommendations. And 57% of GPs noticed an increase in their practice’s perio/soft-tissue management in the last three years. While it can be difficult to get through to patients, there are ways—such as taking the time to provide education to making sure everyone in your office provides the same, consistent message about home care—to make sure your message is heard. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
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