Methods of imparting information to patients in dental practice

Changes are taking place in dentistry now that we know much more about the causes of caries, periodontal disease and most jaw malformations and that, through education and motivation, our patients can substantially protect themselves from these disorders. In our specialty in particular, it is true that 'prevention is better than cure'! This approach will be successful only if our patients are monitored on a regular recall basis. Attention is drawn to the existence of specific target groups. Successful results can only be achieved if individual efforts are backed by group and population prophylactic measures on the part of national or local authorities using the expertise of the dental profession. A preventively orientated practice must offer much more patient education than one which concentrates on the provision of curative services. Details of the approach to be followed should be thoroughly planned and the members of the dental team to be responsible for the tasks concerned should be identified. Appropriate equipment and working facilities are essential for the effective conduct of preventive measures. It must be emphasized that these measures in dental practice involve high costs. In attending to our patients, we should not forget that not only practical intervention but also the provision of advice is a vitally important health service.