The difficult patient: a psychodynamic perspective

Managing the "difficult" patient is a challenge all dentists face. This paper describes a psychodynamic model that pictures the dentist-patient relationship as a two-way interaction that involves unconscious processes. The model uses the three ego states: the parent, the adult, and the child, to understand problematic encounters and how to manage them. Using this model has the potential to enhance the therapeutic alliance, decrease malpractice claims, and lessen anxiety for the patient and the dentist.