Dental Treatment Planning 101-Formal Consult

You have prepared your treatment plan folder and are now ready for the formal consult with your patient. If you have a designated room for consultations that's great, but if you don't the operatory is fine-just have an extra chair available in case your patient has brought someone with them.

*One of the first things to remember when presenting treatment is to sit knee-to-knee and have good eye contact with your patient.

* Explain the problems your doctor has found and how they will be addressed. Go over the doctor's plan for the patient and sequence of appointments. Remember not to use dental jargon-speak in terms they will understand or you will lose them.

*Ask patient if they have any questions/concerns.

*Give an "estimate" of total treatment costs and have them go over definite financial arrangements with your financial coordinator at the end of the consultation.

*If your patient is ready to proceed-schedule their first appointment. Prepare them for what that appointment will entail.

*If patient is not ready to proceed-ask if you can make a follow-up call in a few days to answer any questions. This will give them some time to digest what you have presented and they may be ready to proceed.

If you have never presented treatment plans to your patients, we realize this may seem intimidating.  We always encourage you to stretch yourself and grow by taking on other responsibilities in the office like composing and presenting treatment plans to your patient.  We applaud those of you who are already doing so in your office.  Remember - this requires teamwork and excellent communication between you and your doctor in order to be successful!