Add Comment Hand signals may cut dental anxiety A system of hand signals is being piloted in the US as a means of reducing dental anxiety in patients. The DentiSign method is designed to restore control to the patient during dental procedures, by creating a channel of communication with the dentist. Raymond Cadden, the creator of the eight-sign method, said pilot studies showed the system helped fostered a team approach between the patient and treating dentist, leading to a better overall experience. "The core of dental fear is the...loss of control," he said. "If we can restore a sense of control to the dental patient we can provide a better dental experience and enable the patient and dentist to become a team during each procedure." The launch of the DentiSign method follows a Harvard paper published last year that suggested hand signals could help calm nervous patients. The report Dental Health for Adults; A Guide to Protecting Your Teeth and Gums claimed using an agreed 'stop' signal could cut dental anxiety, by letting patients take breaks during procedures. As an extended form of this technique, DentiSign hand signals can be learned in less than 15 seconds and are suitable for all practices. "Dental patients and dentists have the same issues worldwide," said Cadden. "It enables dentists to treat patients that speak other languages...[and] enables everyone to have a universal dental language to communicate with." The method can also have a positive impact on workflow and on practice referrals, Cadden claimed. "Dental procedures may be shortened...[and] happy patients refer their friends, and most patients consider trust as the differentiator when choosing a dentist."http://m.arabianbusiness.com/hand-signals-may-cut-dental-anxiety-48504.html Need a Hand in Quelling Dental Anxiety? 05/06/2011
Up to 20% of patients suffer with dental stress, also called dental phobia or dental anxiety. Dentists have responded by offering anxiolysis, conscious oral sedation, and a number of amenities to make patients feel confident and comfortable in the dental chair. Some dentists tell jokes, some hum or sing, and others explain every procedure before they begin. A Harvard study recently found that hand signals could become yet another strategy in reducing dental stress. The Cleveland Clinic Department of Dentistry has developed some hand signals for such use. You can download the DENTISIGN signals here. First Post! 05/06/2011
Start blogging by creating a new post. You can edit or delete me by clicking under the comments. You can also customize your sidebar by dragging in elements from the top bar.
|
RSS Feed