- MEDIUM
- Clinical
- Tier 2
- Clinical & Visual
Translating the chair: 10 metaphors to help patients understand clinical procedures
- Source
- RDH Magazine
- Author
- Phoenix LeGrand, RDH
- Originally at
- rdhmag.com(opens in a new tab)
Summary and scoring by The Bell Brief (Dr. Jennifer Bell) using the Drill-Down Protocol. Not the original publisher.
Why it matters for dental
Hygienists and front-line staff can reduce treatment rejection by translating clinical explanations into patient-friendly metaphors.
Key points
- 01
RDH Magazine article lists ten metaphors for use during patient discussions of x-rays, probing, SRP, laser decontamination, fluoride, SDF, Curodont, and cracked-tooth crowns.
- 02
Article states the metaphors are intended to bridge the gap between a dentist's diagnosis and a patient's understanding of why treatment is recommended.
- 03
Article notes that metaphors address common objections such as 'nothing hurts' for radiographs and 'just a longer cleaning' for SRP.
- 04
Article presents each metaphor as an optional communication tool rather than a replacement for clinical explanation.
Who should care
- Staff
- Associate
Read the original
RDH Magazine
Full reporting and any paywalled content live on rdhmag.com. We summarize and score; we do not republish.