Opinion abstract
British Dental Journal 197, 9 - 14 (2004)
Published online: 10 July 2004 | doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.4811410
Verifiable CPD Paper:
How relevant is counselling in relation to dentistry?
- This paper discusses the possible integration of counselling into general dental practice.
- The reasons behind the public perception of dentistry need to be understood as they relate to fear and anxiety in the surgery: historical, pain related, developmental and childhood experiences, and in the older generations.
- Patient–dentist relationships focussing on the interpersonal relationship in the surgery are described together with case scenarios demonstrating where counselling might have assisted the patient.
- The appropriate use of counselling skills v face-to-face counselling is outlined.
- It is recommended that a counsellor be integrated into the dental team as advisor, educator and for direct referrals.
Abstract
This article attempts to explain reasons behind the general public's fear of dentistry by examining the historical perspective and, using case scenarios, demonstrates areas where patients' dental treatment might have been helped by the use of counselling. Distinguishing between the use of counselling skills vis-à-vis professional counselling, the wider issues for the dental profession — education, boundaries and the need for referrals — are explored. It is suggested that if a counsellor were included as part of the dental team, patients and professionals would benefit. The counsellor could act as an advisor and educator for the team in addition to undertaking professional counselling on referral. Patients with anxiety or phobias could be recognised and helped appropriately and occupational stress experienced by practitioners would be reduced.