Plain and simple

As professionals, there is always a temptation to use technical jargon rather than simpler layman’s terms. It is easy to lapse into the type of shorthand shared among colleagues – the words meaningless outside of your work circle.

However, it is important to remember – and very easy to forget – that very few patients understand the meaning of many dental terms, such as root canal treatment or periodontal therapy and so on. The mistake is to assume the patient understands what their treatment involves when, in reality, they probably don’t.

What may seem particularly obvious to members of the dental team is not always quite so obvious to patients. It goes without saying that, when providing a treatment plan for a patient, be sure to take the time and effort to explain each aspect of the treatment proposed and, if necessary, the costs involved. Treatment alternatives should always be offered with the final decision resting with the patient.