"People know the cost of everything and the value of nothing"

"You think my fee is twice as much as it should be and I know it is half of what it ought to be"

Lynn, we have pink days and brown days. The color is from back when we color coded our app book, pink for Pankey days (close to ideal as possible) and brown days (I think you know what brown represents). Brown days were filled with brown patients, minimizing these days, until they did not exist anymore. This high maintenance patient is also an example of what Dr. Pankey said, "people tend to know the cost of everything and the value of nothing"

I always find it challenging with a patient like this because, and I'm sure you as well, as much as they try to hate you, they just cannot. They will not always admit liking you but you know in your heart they would like to wipe away their cover and tell you "it wasn't that bad".

The longer I practice, the more I let them know I am here for them if they want my help. The review of findings (and the initial exam, of course) seem to somewhat get them on board. Afterall, they need the help, not me. It has become easier for me to have this attitude, in a professional way, the older my practice experience becomes.

They came to me for my dental knowledge, skill, care and judgement and I amm at her service. I always like to acknowledge their phobias and let them know they are real. I tell them we deal with this all the time and these people end up being appreciative patients. (I tell them this, sometimes stretching the truth somewhat)

Do you find you have less heart muscle and stomach lining than you use to have? Having the attitude this is her issue, not mine. I use to get all bothered when patients would not accept my recommended tx plan in an ideal sequence. No more, it is their choice, an informed choice, and I am not bothered that they end up telling me they don't want what, interestinly, they initially told me they wanted.

OK, done rambling, I enjoy reading your stuff. All is well I hope

Miles Collett

It is our job as a dentist to make sure our patient's teeth are cleanable and it is their job to keep them clean. If we can encourage our patients to have excellent daily home care, they will have their teeth for a lifetime. The best age to do this is at a young age. It is more important to encourage excellent daily home care at hygiene appointments then it is to get every piece of tarter removed. Having a philosophy like Bob's book explains is paramount to long term dental health. Without the patient's comittment to daily home care, any dentistry we do will fail sooner than later. This is such a simple concept but yet we tend to get caught up in how nice of a dental restoration we camn do. The very best thing we can do for our patients is to teach them how to stay healthy with nutrition, and home care. >Our fancy restorations mean nothing if they last a short time. Teach your patients how to wash and wax their new car before they buy.