Dental Tribune United Kingdom Edition

26 DCPs June 4-10, 2012United Kingdom Edition I n general practice we can often feel we don’t have time to listen to our pa- tients. And can we really be bothered anyway? I mean, they do go on a bit don’t they? And yet, if we don’t listen actively we run the risk of missing out on treatment and by default money. Yes, I said it, listening can make you money! Listening well can help you to identify the patient’s wants and needs and work these into the treatment options you offer them. And it can’t just be one team member that does this. For optimum results it needs to be the whole team. Here are some simple tips that can get you listening ac- tively quickly and simply. Shut up! No really, ask a question and then do not talk again until you are absolutely sure the other person is finished talking. It is amazing the extra insight you will gain by trying this. When we interrupt two things may happen. They will either per- severe and talk for a long time because of it, or they will clam up altogether. Ask permission When you want to discuss some- thing with a patient, stopping smoking, changing diet, adding a new oral hygiene product to their routine; ask permission to start the conversation. Rarely the patient will say no. When they do, respect that. It is so hard to do but DON’T talk to them anyway. They will see the respect you gave their wishes and be much more receptive to you as a person, and in the long run, your advice. Take note A great way to show you are listening well is to write down what the patient is say- ing. It doesn’t have to be word for word but writing in their choice of words then repeat- ing these back to them can re- ally show the patient has been heard and understood. All of us, regardless of background or circumstances, value being listened to and understood. Make a questionnaire with open questions on it To help the whole team get into the swing of active listening make your questionnaire have open questions in it instead of closed. An open question re- quires more than a yes or no answer. For example: What was it that made you decide to book for your visit today? Open questions can help lead the pa- Mhari Coxon discusses how using your ears can lead to success The art of listening ‘A great way to show you are listen- ing well is to write down what the patient is saying. It doesn’t have to be word for word’ Orion Business Park, Northheld Avenue, West Ealing, London W13 9SJ lab@medimatch.co.uk - www.medimatch.co.uk Terms and conditions apply. The alloy is charged per gram on the day of casting and is not included in the above prices. Price is correct on day of going to press. MediMatch has the right to amend or terminate this promotion at any time. Protocols are for guidance only. No clinical decision should be based on the above information. MediMatch cannot be held responsible for any clinical decision whatever advice has been given in writing or verbally. Our Cad/Cam abutments may vary in design from the original. Please call and find out if we have your brand and platform available (in our database). MediMatch will only make abutments when part of a restoration. MediMatch will not supply the screw for the final work; It is best to use a new screw from the original brand when the work is being fitted. Porcelain BondedRestoration(Co-Cr) Single unit on implant +Cad/Cam MilledAbutment (Co-Cr) For just £ 280,- For just £ 280,- *Screws are not include *Analogues are not included T: 08 444 993 888 MediMatch Dental Laboratory Your -Private- Dental Lab Porcelain BondedRestoration(Co-Cr) Single unit on implant +Cad/Cam MilledAbutment (Co-Cr) For just £ 280,- Milled Implant restoration All inclusive pricing by MediMatch! MHRA:CA009413 - DLA member - GDC registered staff - London Based - TUV - ISO 9002 - ISO 9001:2000 MediMatch dental laboratory