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Cranham on Case Presentation & Patient Education

October 21st, 2009 · 2 Comments

school books diplomaThe primary patient education system that we have used and continue to utilize is GURU by Henry Schein. It’s interesting because it uses a combination of nice animations, with some video, but I like that it does not have a lot of audio. I retain the freedom to use the scrubber brush to go to certain parts of the animations and discuss it with the patient. With any patient education package, you have to retain the human touch. Not sure that the systems that you turn on and leave the patient to watch – I just don’t think they’re effective. I often use some photography in my discussion with a patient. At my office, we try to make the education unique to the patient.

We also use Bite FX, which is oriented more to TMD issues. It’s not quite as well known, but it is the best on the market for TMD patient education.

A consult is usually done at a second appointment. First we do the exam, then workup the case, then meet again for the case presentation and patient education. I recommend dentists consider the location for case presentation. We educate patients in a consult room with big monitors, so the patient can see and understand the issues they have. We show them pictures, X-rays, and videos at this time. But we also focus on chairside education when appropriate and beneficial.

Read Dr. Cranham’s profile here.

Dr. Cranham is a director with The Dawson Academy and runs a private dental practice in Virginia. He is well known for his clinical expertise, seminars, and teaching.

Tags: Case Presentation · Clinical · Dental Direction from Dr. John Cranham

2 responses so far ↓

  • 1 dr kuehnemann // Oct 21, 2009 at 8:46 am

    i wish that would be possible here in the uk.
    unfortunatly patient do not like going to the dentist and are always in a hurry and stressed. so meeting them for a second appointment just to discuss the case is something they would not consider to do.

  • 2 Dentist Thornhill // Oct 22, 2009 at 4:34 am

    Adjunctive tools such as videos and animations as well as models are very good with patient education and case acceptance.

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