Psychology and Dentistry

Book excerpt: Learn to build successful working relationships with your patients Psychology and Dentistry: Mental Health Aspects of Patient Care is a practical guide to an often-neglected aspect of dentistry-the contributions of the behavioral sciences to dental research and practice. Dr. William A. Ayer, Professor of Behavioral Sciences at Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, presents a comprehensive textbook that’s an essential study aid for students preparing for their National Dental Board Examinations and a valuable classroom resource for dental school faculty. This unique book identifies the everyday concerns of dentists, dental students, and dental hygienists, offering proven strategies for patient management and for buildingand maintaininga successful dentist-patient relationship. Psychology and Dentistry examines the contributions of the behavioral sciences to the practice of dentistry, drawing subject matter from a wide range of disciplines that include psychology, sociology, education, anthropology, economics, epidemiology, health services, and public health. The book is a practical guide to developing the necessary skills to conduct effective patient interviews, for teaching patients to manage their dental fears and anxieties, and for dealing with patients who need counseling from mental health professionals. It also addresses special issues that have become relevant to dentists and their staffs in recent years, including child abuse and neglect, spousal violence, elder abuse, aging and changes associated with age, death and dying, and bereavement. Psychology and Dentistry examines: behavior therapies behavioral interventions management techniques for patients with acute and/or chronic pain how to train patients to manage their oral habits how to get patients to comply with health care recommendations pain perception and pain expression the therapeutic use of hypnosis how to make psychological referrals for patients the effect of stress on dentists and dental students and much more! Psychology and Dentistry: Mental Health Aspects of Patient Care is an essential resource for anyone working in the dental field. The book’s practical approach and unique insights are invaluable for helping you develop healthy relationships with your patients.