How involved should you be in the lives of your patients? According to the Telegraph UK, some experts are suggesting that dentists counsel their patients about healthy habits and advise them to give up unhealthy practices like smoking and drinking too much.
The Captive Audience
Two think-tanks, the Nuffield Trust and the Health Foundation collaborated on a recent report, suggesting that dentists have a captive audience in their patients. While those patients are in the chair, having their teeth cleaned or other work done, they are “perfectly placed” to receive advice about a healthier lifestyle, according to the report’s writers.
The Wealth Factor
The think tanks’ mission was to find some additional ways to reach people with important information about eating healthier, cutting back on drinking, and quitting smoking. In particular, the report reviewed statistics comparing the dental health and habits of the well-to-do compared to those of the poor. The rich are often better educated about lifestyle factors, and they can afford regular dental care. Plus, in the areas where they live, dental care is more accessible.
The Risk Factors for Low-Income Patients
According to surveys and statistics gathered by the think tanks, people from poorer backgrounds and low-income areas were not as educated about their dental health and the effects of their lifestyle choices on their health. They were also more likely to have serious dental problems that required extensive dental work and even hospitalisation.
A Worldwide Issue
Although the report focused on England, the same gap between rich and poor can be found throughout the world. Even in Singapore, low income families are more likely to be affected by the lack of dental care and higher rates of smoking and alcoholism.
One of the report authors, Professor John Appleby, explains, “We know that poor oral health is linked to other health problems, like obesity, alcohol consumption and smoking. So it makes sense to involve dentists more in plans to address these problems.”
Advice from a Trusted Source
You have probably seen patients who are ruining their teeth by consuming too much sugar, not brushing or flossing enough, consuming large quantities of alcohol, or smoking daily. As a healthcare provider, you are uniquely placed to gently advise your patients about some lifestyle changes that could benefit the health of their teeth and of their bodies.
Additional Training for Singapore Dentists
At the Aesthetics and Digital Dentistry Academy, you can receive training in a number of different areas related to aesthetics and cosmetic dentistry. Discover ways to show patients the effect of their lifestyle on their teeth through our dental photography course, or learn about advanced anterior or posterior aesthetics with a live patient. We also train dentists in new smile makeover methods like Invisalign and the latest porcelain veneers. Explore available programmes at the ADDA website and discover new ways to enhance the services you offer to your community.
Source: Telegraph.co.uk, 2 Nov 2017
