~Transforming Patient Anxiety into Reassurance Through Visual Communication~

One major reason patients fear dental treatment is “not knowing what is being done.” Listening to patient feedback and concerns, we frequently hear experiences like: “I didn’t understand the explanation,” “My tooth was drilled without me realizing it,” or “It was extracted before I knew it.”

Even during my time as an associate dentist, I deeply understood the importance of “showing.” While performing treatment correctly is essential, a “commitment to sharing information” is indispensable for gaining patient understanding and ensuring they feel secure during treatment.

Therefore, I focused on creating a system to “directly convey the images seen through the microscope to the patient.”

The Power of Microscope × Presentation

A microscope magnifies details invisible to the naked eye. However, it’s insufficient if only the dentist sees it and “understands.” It’s only natural for patients to have doubts like, “Is it really that bad?” or “Do I really need it extracted?”

Therefore, from the start of my practice, I installed a large-screen monitor at the treatment unit, setting up a system to show microscope images and photos in real time. Furthermore, I’ve introduced video editing software and presentation systems to smoothly present treatment and post-treatment footage to patients.

The Moment Patients Change Through Visualization

When patients actually see the images, their reactions change remarkably.

For example, a patient who says, “I had root canal treatment, but it hurts again.” When we view images together showing the fracture line confirmed by the microscope, they understand and agree, “So that’s why extraction is necessary.”

Also, while ceramic treatments are often perceived as expensive, showing enlarged images demonstrating how they prevent cavity recurrence and bacterial invasion leads patients to remark, “I now clearly understand the difference from insurance-covered silver fillings.”

In other words, the greatest source of reassurance for patients is seeing the facts with their own eyes.

Towards a culture shared by the entire team

Furthermore, this “culture of showing” has expanded beyond dentists to include staff. Dental hygienists now perform cleanings while showing patients images recorded with the microscope, explaining concretely: “Tartar was attached here,” or “These areas were missed during brushing.” This goes beyond mere cleaning, boosting motivation for prevention.

Thus, the microscope not only enhances diagnostic and treatment accuracy but also plays a significant role as a communication tool for the entire practice.

Summary

“Seeing” and ‘communicating’ are two essential wheels of a car in dental treatment.

Lacking either one prevents building patient trust. I have utilized the microscope not merely as a high-performance device, but as a bridge connecting patients and dentists.

Moving forward, I aim to continue providing “the reassurance of seeing” and creating an environment where patients can approach dental treatment, often perceived as frightening, with a more positive outlook.