The patient and the shifting health-care paradigm

The public's image of the relationship between the health care provider and his or her patients has shifted. This relationship was once seen by the public as being based on trust, compassion, and good will and now is viewed as much more subject to negotiation. The public's perception of dentists and physicians is that they have been seduced by technology, money, and specialization and that they have little time for patients' concerns, wants, and needs. Moreover, there has been a dramatic expansion of patient choice including treatment alternatives and providers. Never before have patients had access to so much information (and misinformation) about treatment, options, materials, and alternatives. All of these factors contribute to a growing discontentment among patients and practitioners. Practice management courses are full of recommendations for shifting the unflattering perception of dentists and physicians to one of more "patient-centeredness." On the other hand, many dentists and physicians are frustrated because for them the patient has always been the center of the caregiving. For many caregivers and patients, it has become far too easy to alternately blame each other, other health care providers, the insurance industry, etc. for being the villain. This paper focuses on what patients want from their dentists. Patients have always assumed that the dentist is competent, reliable, and sincere. What patients also want today is to be involved and educated about their treatment options. Further, they want the dentist to listen, pay attention to their concerns, and to treat them as individuals.