Consistently achieving patient goals is one of the most important abilities we acquire as dentists. We have to balance solid communication, efficiency, and technical skills.
In this blog, Dr. Catalano delves into two facets of successful care: listening and battling perfectionism.
If we don’t hear what the person’s true values are, we can’t deliver exactly what they want. If we cling too closely to a certain ideal, we may waste chair time when the patient would be perfectly happy with the current result.
Utilize the tips below to assess and enhance your current process.
Listening to Your Patient
Listening is the absolute most important first step in achieving patient goals. It may be as simple as asking, “How can I help you?” You want to gain rapport with the patient and build a relationship.
People buy from those they like. Listening is the first step. Educating them about the possibilities with their smile and adding the value is also a must.
Knowing When to Stop
I know I am truly done when the patient tells me they love their smile. I ask them, “Are you happy with everything?” Once they say yes, I have to stop.
I do have a routine after delivering the veneers for adjusting any esthetic issues, occlusion, guidance, envelope of function, and then the final polish and photos. Sometimes I see something that I want to change but it really is the patient’s smile and not mine. I just have to let go and let my “baby” fly away and enjoy life.
As dentists, we could probably find problems with everything we do. There is no such thing as perfect so you have to accept that and move on.
What are your favorite methods for achieving patient goals? We’d love to hear from you in the comments!