SHARED DECISION MAKING: A FUNDAMENTAL COMPONENT OF PATIENT-CENTERED CARE FOR DENTAL PATIENTS

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Health Services Research
• Patient-Centered Care

Background:

• Shared decision-making (SDM) is crucial for optimal patient-provider partnerships in dental care.
• Patients seek dental care to address or prevent oral health impacts, aligning with provider recommendations.
• Effective SDM enhances the patient experience and treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present foundational knowledge on SDM within the dental context.
• To introduce the four-dimensional dental encounter (4DE) concept.
• To explore how 4DE can enhance patient-centered care in dentistry.

Main Methods:

• Review of foundational knowledge on SDM in dental practice.
• Introduction and conceptualization of the four-dimensional dental encounter (4DE).
• Analysis of patient-clinician interaction centered on four dimensions of oral health impact.

Main Results:

• SDM is integral to achieving desired patient outcomes in dental care.
• The 4DE model integrates patient's functional, painful, esthetical, and psychosocial oral health impact.
• 4DE incorporates treatment options and patient preferences for a holistic approach.

Conclusions:

• Dentistry can leverage the 4DE concept to re-evaluate patient engagement strategies.
• Implementing 4DE promotes more patient-centered care by optimizing the care experience.
• The 4DE model aims to improve treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction without escalating costs.