Importance of Patient Comfort: Benefits Go Both Ways

We have been conditioned to dread the dentist. The thought of someone drilling into our teeth while we lie helpless in the chair fills many with major anxiety. But in truth most visits to the dentist are painless and relatively comfortable. As with any medical procedure there can be some discomfort, but dentists and patients are seeing the benefits of increasingly comfortable visits to the surgery – not just on the day, but afterwards as well. Let’s have a closer look at how dentists are tackling the issue. 

Lighting 

Generic dental surgeries often employ ‘wash’ lighting throughout. This is all well and good for displaying products, information posters etc, but it isn’t conducive to a relaxing, comfortable atmosphere. But many practitioners are now taking cues from ‘ideal’ lighting- for example, sunlight filtered through leafy trees or foliage. While many  surgeries don’t have enough natural light, it is advisable to use similar colour temperatures and tonal subtleties. Lighting alcoves or using accent lighting creates a peaceful mood, at odds with the harsh fluorescent strip lights of old. And using spotlights to draw the eye to paintings, posters, or other decorations will also distract and relax waiting patients. 

Sound

There’s nothing worse than hearing the sound of dental equipment – or other patients – when you’re waiting for your appointment. The sound of drilling or suction can increase patient anxiety considerably. But shutting the waiting room door can also create unwanted tension, so controlling the sound within the facility is important. This can be achieved in a variety of ways, but a good place to start is by insulating all interior walls. This deadens sound, and prevents it echoing from room to room. Varying ceiling heights, especially in transition areas such as reception or corridors helps to trap unwanted sound. Many dental surgeries use highly reflective surfaces – changing these in favour of less reflective options will help the mood. 

Waiting room

A waiting room doesn’t have to be a tense, badly lit space, with austere and uncomfortable chairs around the perimeter. Comfortable and varied seating will relax patients as they wait for their appointment, and creating different zones for a degree of privacy will also put them at ease. There should be engaging and varied read materials on hand, as well as clear information about the surgery’s services. 

Equipment

Having modern equipment is essential to patient comfort. Old or poorly cared for handpieces can look, sound, and feel awful, and cause patients discomfort or pain when used. Most modern equipment is designed as much with patient comfort in mind as practicality. Dental facilities that are starting up are often budget-conscious with their expenditure, but good equipment is absolutely vital to provide your patients with exceptional care. As well as handpieces, surgery lighting and chairs must be up to scratch – chairs should be fully adjustable to ensure the patient is comfortable, and so are you when performing a variety of procedures.

Pain management

Different patients will have different requirements when it comes to pain management.  Discussion with individuals about their pain threshold or preferred level of anaesthetic will put them at ease and ensure they are comfortable and calm before and during procedures. For those who suffer from extreme anxiety at the dentist, sedation may be necessary, and handling this effectively is also crucial for ensuring comfort before, during, and after the appointment. 

Communication

Patients should be part of the discussion about their treatment. All too often a patient is put in the chair without any dialogue about what to expect during the treatment, reasons for the treatment, or alternative options should they be in disagreement. With children, communication is a vital part of building trust with the dentist, and reducing anxiety about visiting in future – many people’s extreme aversion to dentistry is forged in childhood, and even the simplest procedures may stimulate fear or bring back trauma. Outside of the theatre itself communication with other staff is important – a friendly, helpful, and at times comforting reception staff will put patients at ease, as well as encouraging follow up appointments. 

Visiting the dentist doesn’t have to be an anxious and unpleasant experience. Many dentists are reassessing their facilities and patient approach to create a comfortable and stress-free environment, for a better quality of service.