Does your dentist take the appropriate amount of time to get to know you?
Our Lead Dentist, Dr Andrea Shepperson, is an Honorary Global Ambassador of Slow Dentistry; a group of Leading Dentists committed to improving the standards of care in dentistry. Dr Shepperson sits down to talk about what it means to be a part of the Slow Dentistry Global Network.
For as long as I can remember, my initial meeting and examination with new patients has always been an hour or longer 🕙
It needs to be an hour to understand what has gone before, why a patient presents with their current state of oral disease, build trust as we come to know and respect each other and fully inform of the possibilities for optimal health. We call this informed consent. It’s collaborative, visual and takes time.
We introduced the concept of the Dental Fingerprint; treating each patient as unique, much like a fingerprint. A critical element of my Slow Dentistry approach and Dental Fingerprint has been the use of Seattle-based Kois Center concepts of risk assessment. By identifying unique risk factors, we build a customised plan with our patients to “Get To the Green Zone”; a healthy low risk place where dental needs are managed.
Digital dentistry is an integral part of the examination. Using and intraoral scanner, we capture a 3D model of our patients mouth – their own unique 3D Dental Fingerprint. Recent advances n technology now allow us to capture 4D – 3D models that record true chewing movements that allow us to analyse the bite and forces on teeth.
The feedback I get from patients about their New Patient Exam is that this is the first time anybody has enquired so deeply into their oral health needs. By slowing down and taking the time, we build long-term relationships with our patients. Slow Dentistry has a number of pillars which I am firmly committed to and I am proud to be an Honorary Global Ambassador in New Zealand. I encourage all dentist to slow down and take time for the people coming for care.
Book your New Patient Examination online today and experience the difference.
