Course Description:
Course Description
This is a three-module video course. You’ll earn one hour of continuing education credit upon completion.
High-fear dental patients are delicate. Dental team members not familiar with them can easily misinterpret their mannerisms, behavior, and questions for something else. This confusion makes it hard for dental teams to build trust, the top priority for fearful patients.
In this course, April Burus, a team member in Dr. Anthony Feck’s Lexington office, explains the characteristics and nuances of high-fear patients. She shares the tactics and strategies her team uses to guide patients through treatment, starting with their first inquiry. In each module, April answers questions from the audience—a lively mix of office managers, hygienists, and dental assistants.
What is Phobia?
Dental phobia, an extreme or irrational fear of visiting the dentist, is not uncommon. In fact, up to 75% of Americans exhibit some level of dental anxiety. Most patients can put aside their feelings about visiting the dentist, enough to stay reasonably healthy. Phobic patients cannot—and their oral health suffers because of it.
In this module, April shows how to manage, not cure, phobic dental patients.
In addition, you’ll learn:
- What causes phobias
- Who fits the dental “cycle of avoidance” profile
- Why sedation dentistry appeals to some non-phobic patients
… and more.
Three Types of Initial Contact
Good candidates for sedation don’t always ask for it. In fact, many high-fear patients don’t even know it exists. That’s why it’s imperative for a dental team to recognize sedation treatment opportunities and present them persuasively.
In this module, April offers advice on sedation consults, new patient exams, and dental emergencies.
In addition, you’ll learn:
- The elements of an effective sedation consult
- How to present pricing (sticker shock included)
- Why acute pain can be “good” for a patient
… and more.
Attendees will learn:
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Sounds dental-phobic patients should never hear
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Methods for using operatories that put patients at ease
-
How to ask empathetic dental history questions
-
The elements of an effective sedation consult
-
How to present pricing (sticker shock included)
-
Why acute pain can be “good” for a patient
-
What causes phobias
-
Who fits the dental “cycle of avoidance” profile
-
Why sedation dentistry appeals to some non-phobic patients
Scientific support and additional resources are available here.
(AGD Code - Definition - Hours)
550 (Practice Mgmt & Human Relations: Auxiliary Utilization) - 1 hour
TOTAL HOURS: 1 hour
Original release date: 6/16/2019
April Burus
April Burus is an outstanding lecturer who brings many successful years of experience to team training. In addition to her many years as a medical response team member and office manager, Ms. Burus is a seasoned professional with over fifteen years in the dental industry.
Ms. Burus has spent the majority of the past decade working in her hometown of Lexington, KY, with Dr. Anthony Feck, Dean of Faculty for DOCS Education*, sedation patients, and team members every day. Her hands-on and collaborative management style creates a comfortable and efficient working environment that benefits patients and co-workers alike.
Ms. Burus teaches course attendees the finely tuned communication skills necessary for success. Motivated by a deep-rooted passion for sedation dentistry care, her effective techniques translate directly into positive results for all who participate. As she tells her students: “It is my passion for sedation that gets me up every morning at 4:30 AM.”
*Ms. Burus no longer works for Dr. Feck.
DOCS online courses are available to the purchaser for one year from date of purchase.
No refund of course tuition is available.