Rapport at the dentist’s office. “I’m sorry what?”
Rapport is a close and harmonious relationship in which the people or groups concerned understand each other’s feelings or ideas and communicate well.
We hygienists need to have this with our patients. It’s crucial for us to have these relationships so that patients feel comfortable with us and so that they trust us to give them the best care possible.
Having dental work done or having your teeth cleaned can be a scary thing for some people, and if they don’t have a strong relationship with their dental professionals, it can be even scarier! We understand the importance of rapport in the dentist’s office and do our very best to make sure our patients are comfortable. Getting to know each of our patients is a top priority of ours. We get to know them and understand how they work so they can come in and feel relaxed, feel appreciated and feel at home.
I have seen some dentist offices where there is no emphasis on patient/professional relationships. These dental offices just focus on producing as much money as they can. That is not a good way to run things because people don’t have trust. They believe the dentist is just trying to make money. They see a different dental hygienist every time they come in, and it doesn’t feel right. Trust is a very important aspect of running a successful business that thrives and has longevity.
I have worked here at Schumacher & Bauer DDS for 10 years, and I have been practicing dental hygiene since 1976. After 43 years, a lot of the patients I see are like family to me.
Working at our office allows me to see tons of patients. Being able to see my patients 2, sometimes 3-4 times a year, really brings me close to them. My patients become very good friends and some even feel like family! There’s nothing better than coming into work and going to get a patient and being able to ask them about their kids or their work because I know them and I care enough to get to know them. Our patients appreciate and love that we strive to get to know them.
That is why rapport is so important. Rapport in a dentist’s office makes for patient comfortability, trust and long-lasting relationships.
Author: Cindy Johnson
Cindy received her degree in dental hygiene and education from The Ohio State University and has been practicing for 41 years. She has two children, Kelly from Athens, Ohio and Charlie in Columbus, Ohio, and one granddog named Bear.
