Are you stuck on autopilot?

4 minute read

Ever feel like you're just going through the motions? Don't worry, you're not alone – it's your brain's fault! Our brains are like sneaky little assistants, taking over mundane tasks so we can save brainpower for the really juicy stuff. This quirky autopilot mode is actually a genius move, letting us juggle a million things without melting down. Pretty neat, right?

But there's a little hiccup with this autopilot mode... it doesn't just affect us, it gets our patients too! Over time, we unknowingly train them to expect a certain routine during their dental visits, especially their routine cleaning. Then, when we see changes such as bleeding gums, it can start to feel normal since most of our patients bleed at least a little bit. So convincing those long-time patients that something needs to change can be tricky.

But when the plans need to change... it can be a bit awkward, right?

Good news, we’re not stuck

To bust through autopilot mode, simply flip the script and start sparking fresh conversations. It's time to embrace those uncomfortable conversations with open arms. But there's no need to break a sweat or dread those moments of potential awkwardness.

Let me share with you how I cracked this code.

Setting the tone before any new news

Step 1: Before you start the periodontal charting, alert your patient by saying, "I'll also be evaluating your gum health today since we now know that the healthier the mouth, the healthier the rest of the body. And don’t worry, if I spot any changes, I’ll let you know.”

Hit the pause ⏸️ button

Step 2: If you spot a change, hit the pause button. The verbal script can go like this, “Jim, is everything feeling alright?” (to which he’ll predictably nod).  I'd swiftly grab my camera or mirror – whichever is handier – and unveil the crime scene footage.

But if you have a 🔬 you’d use that to show the creepy crawlers!

I give no warning of my findings because I want him to share in the surprise (aka changes)! Let’s face it, self-discovery packs a bigger punch than dropping a bombshell about a problem they had no clue existed.

Now it’s Showtime!

Step 3: Now that you've piqued your patient's curiosity, it's showtime for your expertise. From here, it's all about acknowledging the unexpected.

“Well Jim, you’ve had a significant change since your last visit – you now have redness, inflammation, and even bleeding. It appears you've come into contact with bacteria that cause gum infections, since you now have a gum infection!”

New findings = new treatment

And if you’re new here, the following is the verbal script I stick to. “Jim, think of the cleanings we’ve been doing like a routine car wash. You now need the full detail, really getting into those nooks and crannies – places we just can't reach with a traditional cleaning.  It’s going to require medicine, both in the office and at home for you.”

I hope you've found this info as useful as a hidden stash of floss in a dental emergency!

Got burning questions? Drop me a comment or email—I'm here to be your dental BFF and tackle those queries.

Stay awesome!🙌

Your friend Coach Tosha, RDH