Periodontal disease is the sixth most prevalent health condition in the world. Close to 50% of all Americans have periodontal disease (Eke P et al, Prevalence of periodontitis in adults in the United States. J Dent Res 2012). Yet, according to dental insurance records, less than 10% receive treatment.

As health care providers are we missing an opportunity to provide better care for our patients? Would it not be better to inform our patients of their healthcare status, as opposed to what treatment we feel they might accept?

In my book and course, Treating People Not Patients, we discuss the need for the patient to be an active participant in their care.

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Below are five benefits to developing a practice of comprehensive dental care with a periodontal foundation. For more information, I encourage you to attend our three-day workshop on Periodontal Mastery at NYU on November 1-3, 2023.

1. Enhancing Awareness and Understanding

Empowering patients with knowledge about their periodontal disease increases awareness and understanding of the condition's severity, potential risks, and long-term implications. As Sy Syms, used to say, “an educated customer is our best consumer.” Educated patients make decisions that are in their best interest.

2. Encouraging Proactive Decision-Making

With access to pertinent information, patients can actively participate in their treatment journey. This proactive approach builds trust which results in increased treatment acceptance and a more favorable outcome.

3. Fostering Comprehensive Treatment

Empowered patients are more likely to opt for comprehensive treatment strategies rather than addressing individual symptoms or singular procedures. In choosing a comprehensive approach, patients increase their chances of achieving long-term oral health, preventing future complications, and minimizing the need for costly, extensive procedures down the line.

4. Promoting Overall Well-being

Periodontal health is connected to overall health. The paradigm shift in the importance of decreasing systemic inflammation is well entrenched in functional medicine. While the link between oral disease and systemic disease is not a direct cause and effect, an improvement in oral health does lead to significant benefits in a patient’s sense of well-being. This knowledge can serve as a powerful motivator for maintaining good oral health.

5. Reducing Dental Anxiety

When patients know what to expect during treatments and understand the importance of each procedure, they feel more in control of their oral health journey.

Allowing patients to have a sense of control reduces stress and alleviates the fear associated with dental visits. The upshot is a happier patient.

Conclusion

Over my 40 years in practice, I have witnessed my patients transition from fearful, non-compliant, avoidant individuals to true believers that are motivated to maintain their oral health. My goal has always been to get my patients out of the treatment rooms and into the hygiene rooms. Nothing gives me more pleasure than telling a recall patient that they need no work, only maintenance and home care. This should be all of our goals.