Often patients quietly desire to improve some aspect of their smiles. Yet they are hesitant to start a conversation about it with their dentist, thinking of all of the other obligations that come before this one. At any given time, we are each in the process of making multiple decisions big and small: what to eat for lunch, what to do about little Johnny’s struggles with math, whether to get that tooth fixed or the carpets cleaned.
A study out of UMass Dartmouth reveals, “Decision making is the process of making choices by identifying a decision, gathering information, and assessing alternative resolutions.” They identify 7 steps to effective decision-making:
- Identify the decision
- Gather information
- Identify alternatives
- Weigh the evidence
- Choose among alternatives
- Take action
- Review the decision
Many patients get stuck between #2 and #4.
Some fear gathering information, not knowing that asking a few simple questions of their dentist can actually help quell fears. Good questions to ask include:
- Can you share with me a time when this went well for a patient of yours?
- If I do move ahead, how quickly can I get back to life as usual?
Others put off the decision out of hesitation for the alternatives. Even inaction is an action, and it is the most common alternative that patients choose. To that point, it’s important to ask questions such as these:
- What are my alternatives?
- What will happen if I don’t do this?
Some get stuck in analysis paralysis, overthinking the evidence rather than weighing it and coming to a choice. At this point, it may be helpful to ask oneself questions like:
- What does my gut tell me?
- If money weren’t a factor, what would I do?
Whatever the decision, be sure to make it with a reputable dentist who can gently guide you to the right choice for you.
