Keynote Lectures

Prof. Ravindra Nanda

3. 10. 2024 (all day)
Are We Practicing Evidence- Based Orthodontics: Biomechanics, Aligners and TADs
Orthodontics specialty is quite unique and different than medicine as far as introduction of new devices is concerned as well as existing treatment modalities. There is a serious lack of randomized trials and prospective studies as noted by various systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Almost always new devices are being marketed by the orthodontic companies without any background evidence- based research or peer reviewed publications. This presentation will concentrate on how aligners and temporary anchorage devices (TADs) were introduced and adopted by the orthodontic profession without any supportive data about their efficacy for treating various malocclusions Most of the understanding of biomechanics and research related to TADs has been exemplary few years after their introduction. Unfortunately, it is not the same with aligners. Research studies on aligners lagged considerably during the first 15 years or so following their introduction. Only in recent years research has shown limited efficacy of various tooth movements with conventional aligners, pointing out limitations due to inadequate biomechanics, not so optimal attachments, rigid material, and compliance issues.
This presentation will go over recent research and advances in mechanics and aligner materials. Numerous patient treatment histories will be presented.

doc. MUDr. Magdalena Koťová, Ph.D.

Bedřich Neumann honorary lecture

4. 10. 2024 (09:30–10:00)
From orthodontics to clefts and back
A short reminiscence will introduce orthodontics in Prague in the late 1980s and 1990s. The author will go through her professional beginnings in the children’s ward of a Prague district institute of National Health, the orthodontic school of the now defunct II Dental Clinic of the 1st Faculty of Dentistry of the Charles University in Prague, and then her encounter with cleft problems at the Vinohrady Hospital. The development of the treatment protocol, the changing role of orthodontic intervention in the multidisciplinary care of severely affected patients, and the current state of the Prague Cleft Centre and the Dental Clinic of the 3rd Faculty of Dentistry, Charles University in Prague will be presented.

Dr. Bjoern Ludwig

4. 10. 2024 (11:00–12:00)
Current and Future Strategies in Digital Orthodontics: From In-Office Aligners to TADs
In response to various factors, both within our broader society and specifically within the orthodontic community, there has been a notable shift towards digitization and automation. This transition has been driven by arange of factors including economic considerations, staffing limitations, and the demands of a rigorous work schedule. Over the past decade, the field has witnessed the establishment of 3D scanners, 3D printers, and a plethora of software solutions that have not only found their place in everyday clinical practice but have also yielded effective orthodontic outcomes supported by scientific evidence.
Today, we stand at the threshold of a new phase, transitioning from pioneering endeavors to standard procedures, with in-office production emerging as a central tenet of modern orthodontics. This shift carries several diagnostic advantages, bolsters operational efficiency, and ultimately facilitates, or rather enables, improved treatment methodologies. However, a challenge persists: the seamless integration of digital orthodontics while upholding fundamental and indispensable orthodontic principles.
This presentation aims to provide both a clinical and scientific update encompassing the entire digital workflow, spanning from digital scanning to 3D printing. Within this framework, we will spotlight key applications such as aligners, indirect bonding techniques, and temporary anchorage devices (TADs). Furthermore, we will explore the untapped potential of less widely recognized 3D applications, including selective laser melting (SLM) printing, customized retainer fabrication, production of removable orthodontic appliances, and an array of other indications. These innovative approaches are poised to surmount the challenges inherent in our current orthodontic landscape, all while steadfastly upholding the foundational principles of biological integrity, aesthetic considerations, and ethical standards.

Dr. Camilla Molinari

4. 10. 2024 (14:00–15:00)
Fueling Invisalign Smile Architect™ experience: innovative solutions for interdisciplinary ortho-restorative treatment planning
Modern dentistry is increasingly focused on a minimally invasive approach: we must always carefully evaluate the biological impact of the therapies we perform on our patients. As techniques, technologies and materials evolve, we may be able to offer therapeutic solutions that respect the aesthetic, functional and structural integrity of the elements, starting from a good diagnosis. So-called face-driven planning takes into account skeletal and morphological features in determining a proper orthodontic/prosthetic treatment plan that is in harmony with the patient’s facial features. This assessment is all the more important in all those clinical cases with dento-dental and/or dento-basal discrepancies or in situations where we have to deal with shape and/ or size abnormalities (very frequent in maxillary lateral incisors). Invisalign Smile Architect™ is an innovative ortho-restorative treatment planning software. This program enables dental teams to integrate clear aligner therapy into their multidisciplinary treatment plans, combining alignment teeth and prosthetic planning in a ‘single platform. This new software is aimed at facilitating communication among colleagues in the dental team, as well as with laboratories, from an interdisciplinary treatment perspective. During this lectur we will understand in detail the diagnostic-therapeutic potential of this feature in intedisciplinary treatments…and beyond!

Dr. Maximilian Küffer

4. 10. 2024 (16:30–17:30)
Advanced treatment techniques with TADs and CAD/CAM appliances in orthodontics
By harnessing the capabilities of selective laser melting (SLM) printers, innovative clinical procedures and treatment methodologies have emerged. These advancements allow for the creation of exceptionally customized dental appliances, reducing the need for standardized components. When integrated with temporary anchorage devices (TADs), these metal-printed appliances bring forth a host of advantages in terms of treatment efficacy and versatility. During this presentation, contemporary techniques and procedural pathways for crafting and employing skeletal anchorage through the use of metal-printed appliances will be highlighted.

Ing. Bc. Daniel Stach

5. 10. 2024 (09:30–10:30)
To anyone can truly understand and remember
You don‘t just want to talk. You don‘t just want to be heard. You need people to remember what you have to say. How to communicate effectively? Never in the history of humankind have misinformation and lies spread so easily as they do today. How to talk to someone who deeply believes something that is not true? And how can AI help and harm us? I will share practical examples of how to communicate difficult topics. I‘ll also take you behind the scenes of the TV broadcast. And please, feel free to ask anything that you are interested in.

Dr. Jan Streblov

5. 10. 2024 (11:00–12:00)
A patient with periodontitis in an orthodontist’s office
Orthodontic treatment has recently been extended to adult patients, increasing the risk that their teeth will be affected by periodontitis.
Therefore, in this lecture, the author will discuss simplified diagnostics to detect periodontitis in patients seeking orthodontic treatment and place the possible findings in the context of the new classification of periodontitis. He will briefly summarize the current knowledge of the etiology and pathophysiology of this disease and the implications of this knowledge for therapy. It will also provide a brief overview of current approaches to the treatment of periodontitis, including surgical therapy, both resective and regenerative. The final section will then cover interdisciplinary collaboration on the most challenging cases with stage IV periodontitis, where orthodontic treatment is intertwined with periodontal, implant and prosthodontic therapy.

Dr. Alessandro Mario Greco DDS PhD

5. 10. 2024 (14:00–15:00)
Invisalign treatment of periodontically compromised patients: an elective approach
Periodontally compromised patients represent one of the most challenging situation to treat with an orthodontic approach since the trauma induced by orthodontic forces can generate bone resorption simply because of the most common undesired jiggling. The aligners allow to avoid any play between bracket slots and wire and for this reason they can control better this side effects, moreover a specific protocol that will be described is necessary to avoid bone loss and should be designed in the digital plan to avoid gingival recession or bone dehiscence in this kind of patients.

doc. MUDr. Martin Starosta, Ph.D.

5. 10. 2024 (16:00–17:00)
Cooperation between periodontist and orthodontist (or how we can help each other)
Atrophic or inflammatory periodontal disease is not uncommon in the population. Similarly, orthodontic therapy is now common not only in adolescents but also in adults. Under what conditions of the periodontal health should orthodontic therapy be performed? What should be done to avoid aggravating the situation? What are the limits and possibilities of both disciplines ? How can a periodontist help an orthodontist ? When is it overteatment and leads only to prolongation of the therapy without the final effect? These everyday questions will be discussed accompanied by illustrative case studies.

Short Lectures

MUDr. et MDDr. Jiří Genčur; MUDr. Hana Böhmová

4. 10. 2024 (10:00–10:30)
Application of 3D technologies in orthodontic-surgical therapy of dentofacial anomalies
Achieving ideal functional and aesthetic therapy results in patients with detofacial anomalies is in some cases, possible only by integrating orthodontic-surgical methods into the treatment plan. Stomatosurgical techniques and orthognathic procedures present several challenges, particularly in proper planning and precise execution. Recent advances in three-dimensional diagnostic technologies, such as CBCT and intraoral scanning, the creation of virtual planning protocols, and the use of 3D printing models, individual implants, cutting and insertion templates, or individual splints, have enabled significant advances in this area. Planning software has enabled surgeons and orthodontists to better understand patient anatomy, work closely together, and design treatment plans for patients that better match their individual needs and goals. The use of these innovative technologies has not only made treatment more efficient, faster, and often easier but has also helped to achieve a higher level of accuracy with fewer adverse complications and contributed to the individualization of the therapeutic protocol. In some cases of complex diseases, treatment would not even be possible without these techniques. The authors provide an overview of the technologies used in diagnosis, planning, and treatment and present the combined use of all methods using case studies of their patients, presenting the advantages, disadvantages and pitfalls of these technologies.

Dr. Seung-Woo Yoo

4. 10. 2024 (12:00–12:30)
The Orthodontist as the Manufacturer
With the fast development of CADCAM-technology in orthodontics the possibility of designing and manufacturing orthodontic appliances became much more reachable than anytime before. Especially thanks to 3D-printers, which became very popular and affordable, we as orthodontist are now able to print out some appliances in our own office.
On the basis of some clinical examples the digital CADCAM workflow will be described and also the limitations will be discussed.

MDDr. Jiří Hálek

4. 10. 2024 (17:30–18:00)
Baby steps forward in the digital world
Artificial intelligence and digital technologies in general are increasingly being applied in all fields of medicine. With software and instrumentation becoming more powerful and more accessible, the transition to digital orthodontics is easier than ever. Digital planning, navigated insertion of anchorage mini-implants, 3D printing of every conceivable component and entire appliance all make our work easier, cheaper, and faster. However, it also brings new problems and challenges we did not encounter in the purely “analog” era. In this presentation, I will try to explain how digital technologies can help not only in a regular small orthodontic practice but also what problems and disappointments I have encountered after the initial excitement of a world of unlimited digital possibilities.

MDDr. Matěj Bernát

5. 10. 2024 (09:00–09:30)
When the dentist looks at the mountains
– How I climbed all four thousands in the Alps, photos
– How to make a three-day crossing when you have to go to the doctor’s office the next day (crossing of Vlad Gypsy Tatarka)
– Suffering and happiness on Sura Peak, a taste from the film Simply Beautiful, accompanied by photos
– How I manage it all (I will try to explain continuously during the lecture)

MUDr. Jiří Baumruk; MUDr. Marek Pokorný

5. 10. 2024 (12:00–12:30)
How many teeth do we have to extract?
A large number of common periodontal patients have severe bite defects that lead to overloading of individual teeth and groups of teeth according to the severity of the orthodontic defect and the progression of the suspension disease. In most of such cases, periodontal disease is intertwined with orthodontic defect and carious destruction.
We report the causes of periodontitis and its progression and the management in different degrees of disability. The key to success is to find the appropriate combination of treatment both from the position of the periodontist and orthodontist and according to the patient’s capabilities. The result should be the preservation of as many teeth as possible that would be destined for extraction without appropriate treatment. We consider this a success, although the use of implants in adult patients is unavoidable.

MUDr. Ivo Marek, Ph.D. et al.

5. 10. 2024 (15:00–15:30)
Aesthetic limits in the treatment of patients with aggressive periodontitis
Periodontal diseases are relatively common in the Czech Republic and are present in up to 30% of the population in the age group of 40 years. On the other hand, aggressive periodontitis is rather rare (about 5% of the population). Still, it’s much more severe and has significant devastating consequences for the bone and the entire dentoalveolar complex. Moreover, in its generalized form, it occurs around 30. It leads to dramatic vertical bone loss accompanied by tooth wandering, often manifested by unaesthetic protrusion and supra occlusion of the front teeth. Thus, orthodontic treatment of patients with aggressive periodontitis or chronic periodontitis is guided to adjust the tooth position before subsequent prosthetic reconstruction, or by closing the gaps that allow the application of a splint to fix the teeth. However, these are often very young patients who require not only a functional but also an aesthetic result of the therapy. Orthodontic therapy in patients with aggressive periodontitis has its specificities, as it requires the use of very light forces. Also, due to the displaced centre of resistance of the tooth, a different direction of the forces applied. It is very often necessary to create a new anchorage unit that does not burden teeth with little bone support, using anchorage microscrews. Thus, The result can be an ideal, not a compromise situation, which is sufficiently aesthetic or requires prosthetic refinement. The authors present the treatment procedures, specifics of the treatment and also the advantage of certain types of appliances (fixed and aligners ) for individual malocclusions.

MUDr. Ladislav Gregor, Dr.Med.Dent., Ph.D.

5. 10. 2024 (17:00–17:30)
Alter active eruption

Competitive presentations

MDDr. Lenka Dostálová, Ph.D.

4. 10. 2024 15:00–15:15
Skeletal and dental indicators of growth spurt in orthodontics Aim: The study aimed to determine the correlation between chronological age, bone age according to the X-ray of the hand and wrist, and the developmental stages of teeth and to verify whether the assessment of tooth development can be used to determine an individual’s growth stage.
Material: 362 adolescents were included in the study, namely 180 boys in the age range of 11.5–15.5 years and 182 girls in the age range of 10.5–14.5 years.
Methodology: the Demirjian classification was used to evaluate the teeth on the OPG image, teeth 43, 44, 45, 47 and 48 in the mandible and teeth 13, 14, 15, 17 and 18 in the maxilla were evaluated. The Björk, Grave and Brown classification evaluated the hand and wrist radiographs.
Results: The skeletal and dental age correlation was confirmed; the highest correlation was found in the lower permanent canine in girls and boys. Stage S on the hand radiograph (the stage before the maximum growth spurt) corresponds to the stage when the root of the lower canine has parallel walls (stage G, according to Demirjian). Thus, for clinical use, it can be inferred that if the lower permanent canine has parallel root canal walls on the OPG scan, the peak growth spurt will occur in approximately 0.5 to 1 year. The peak of the growth spurt (MP3cap stage) and the following stages correspond to the state when the apex of the lower canine is closed (Demirjian stage H), which can help us in timing orthodontic treatment.
Conclusion: Assessing the developmental stages of teeth, especially the lower permanent canine, is useful in planning orthodontic treatment and can serve as a reliable factor in determining the stage of the growth spurt.

MDDr. Anastasiia Kolyshkina

4. 10. 2024 15:15–15:30
Reliability of treatment outcome assessment using indices in cleft patients
Aim: The study aimed to determine the reliability and validity of the study models of patients with total unilateral cleft using the GOSLON Yardstick and EUROCRAN Yardstick indices by evaluators from orthodontics, maxillofacial surgery, and general dentistry, with and without previous experience treating patients with a cleft diagnosis.
Materials and Methods: 33 plaster study models of patients with unilateral total cleft at the age of 10 years (23 boys and 10 girls) were classified during the study. The models were evaluated by 12 dentists of different specialties and genders, half of them were staff of a specialized center for the treatment of cleft patients. Two specialized indices, the GOSLON Yardstick and the EUROCRAN Yardstick, were used. Before each assessment, raters were instructed using a presentation and completed questionnaires after the survey.
Results: There was no statistically significant difference in “inter-rater” agreement for the GOSLON Yardstick and EUROCRAN Yardstick index with respect to specialty, gender, and previous experience in treating cleft patients. “Intra-rater” agreement for the EUROCRAN Yardstick palatal shape assessment was moderate in most cases and did not prove to be valid and reliable. In the bite ratio assessment, EUROCRAN Yardstick was non-significantly better in “intra-rater” agreement than GOSLON Yardstick. There was a statistically significant difference in assessment time by dental specialty, with significantly longer assessment time for PZL compared to orthodontists.
Conclusion: The evaluation of GOSLON Yardstick and EUROCRAN Yardstick should be performed by an orthodontist specialized in treating cleft patients for the least time investment and to provide a reliable and valid result. The determination of bite ratios using EUROCRAN Yardstick can be recommended for application at the local clinic level for internal audit of treatment protocols and for communication between team specialists for clarity for specialists. The GOSLON Yardstick can be recommended for use for standardization and comparison of treatment outcomes internationally.

MDDr. Adam Nocar

4. 10. 2024 15:30–15:45
Dentoalveolar changes caused by rapid maxillary expansion measured on CBCT
The objective of the thesis:
This study aims to compare dental and dentoalveolar changes between patients treated with rapid palatal expansion and a control group of patients treated with single-phase corrective therapy with upper and lower fixed appliances without prior therapy using rapid maxillary expansion. Comparisons were made of the first upper fixed molar dislocation, vestibular cortical width at the first molars, vestibular alveolar slope, and dental arch width.
File:
A total of 63 patients were included in the study, whose data were processed with regard to the approval of the Ethical Committee of Motol University Hospital No. EK – 916/23 for the project 3D CBCT analysis of dental and skeletal changes after rapid maxillary expansion.
Methodology:
Therapeutic changes were measured on three-dimensional radiographs of the maxilla and palate. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of the maxillary arch and palate were taken before expansion and at the removal of the expansion appliance immediately after the active phase of expansion.
Results:
1. The mean maxillary intermandibular width increased by 6.1 mm during treatment, indicating reliable expansion effects.
2. The skeletal width of the maxilla increased by an average of 3.2 mm; this value also corresponds to almost 50% of the total expansion.
3. Increase in alveolar slope after treatment.
4. Increase in the slope of the first molars after treatment.
5. Decrease in cortical bone width after treatment.
Furthermore, a comparison was made between the expansion group (patients with resin hyrax and ring hyrax) and the control group that underwent treatment with a fixed appliance. The study also compared the expansion effects between resin hyrax and ring hyrax patients, but the results showed no statistically significant differences between the two methods.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this study shows that rapid maxillary expansion significantly affected the dentoalveolar structures of the maxilla, as confirmed by the results of monitoring anatomical parameters before and after treatment.

MDDr. Magda Nováková

4. 10. 2024 15:45–16:00
Evaluation of dental arches of 5 and 10 year old patients with total unilateral cleft
Aims: This study evaluates how the dental arches of cleft patients change in relation to orthodontic treatment. The values are compared with those of the healthy population. The main objective includes evaluating maxillary morphology and intermaxillary relationships. Another aim is to investigate the effect of neonatal surgery on the development of the maxilla during the patient’s growth.
Material: 47 patients with total unilateral cleft were included in the experimental group. All patients were operated by one surgeon and underwent neonatal lip surgery and palatal surgery. The patients were divided into 3 subgroups: no orthodontic treatment, treatment with a removable orthodontic appliance, and treatment with a fixed orthodontic appliance.
The control group consisted of 30 healthy children also aged 5 and 10 years.
Methods: All subjects were taken with alginate impressions registering bites in wax. Plaster models were made from the impressions, which were subsequently scanned and evaluated using digital software.
Intermaxillary distance, intermolar distance, upper dental arch length, and intermaxillary relationship were determined using the 5-year index and Goslon yardstick score.
RESULTS: Cleft patients without orthodontic treatment had statistically significantly smaller mean intercuspal distance and shorter palatal length than the control group (p<0.05). The intermolar distance did not differ. The mean 5-year index value was 2.6 and the mean Goslon index value of all cleft patients was 2.42. The Goslon index value of the orthodontically untreated patients was 2.9.
Conclusion: The palate of cleft patients is smaller compared to the healthy population in the transverse plane only in the intercuspal distance, and the length of the dental arch is shortened in the sagittal direction. Without orthodontic treatment, cleft patients experience a worsening of the intermaxillary relationship. A statistically significant improvement in the intermaxillary relationship occurs only in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances. Neonatal lip surgery shows no greater negative effect on maxillary growth than other surgical protocols.

Morning block of lectures

Mgr. Kateřina Valíková

3. 10. 2024 (8:30–10:00, repeat for the second group 15:30–17:00)
Possibilities of physiotherapy in orthodontic practice
We will discuss the possibilities of using physiotherapy within regular orthodontic practice. This is not only from the perspective of the doctor and nurse but also from the patient’s side. All this will result in a calmer course of treatment for all involved. We will discuss the context of typical pain from the perspective of physiotherapy. This will include practical demonstrations commonly performed in the orthodontic office.

Morning block of lectures

Bc. Pavlína Fantová, DiS. (Lifesupport)

3. 10. 2024 (10:30–12:00, opakování pro druhou skupinu 13:30–15:00)
CPR and life-threatening conditions
– First aid rules
– CPR- cardiopulmonary resuscitation
– AED- Automated External Defibrillator
– Life-threatening acute conditions

MDDr. Martina Fraňová; MUDr. et MUDr. Jiří Krug, Ph.D.

4. 10. 2024 (09:30–10:30)
The art of subtle changes in facial aesthetics
Dermal injectable aesthetics has become a popular and increasingly sought-after option for patients looking to improve their appearance. The psychological impact of dermal injections is also essential, especially on a woman’s self-esteem and confidence. Their massive spread is visible on all continents, and they are matched by a very diverse range of materials. Botulinum toxin treatment remains the world’s leading non-surgical cosmetic procedure with a high level of efficacy and corresponding patient satisfaction. Applying fillers in some indications achieves the effect of more invasive surgical approaches and thus increases their increasingly popular use. An understanding of facial anatomy and the properties of the materials used is essential for optimal results. In addition to injection techniques, physicians should be familiar with the indications, contraindications, advantages and disadvantages, potential risks and side effects, and ways to prevent potential complications with their use.

DMD Wanda Urbanová PhD

4. 10. 2024 (11:00–11:40)
Orthodontist is also a doctor
Department of Stomatology, 3rd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady.
Before orthodontic therapy, it is important to know the general health of the individual, a thorough medical history and extraoral and intraoral examinations are a must.
Presentation: Properly indicated and performed orthodontic therapy has a positive effect not only on the craniofacial system, but also on the posture, breathing, and well-being of the individual. The lecture highlights what needs to be considered when planning and implementing orthodontic treatment. Cases of individual patients will be used to demonstrate the pitfalls of treating patients with complex medical conditions and craniofacial syndromes.
Orthodontist is more than just a “cosmetic” specialist. The patient should always be viewed individually in a broader context and orthodontic therapy should be planned concerning the overall health status.

MUDr. Magdalena Koťová, Ph.D.
MUDr. Ilija Christo Ivanov

4. 10. 2024 (11:40–12:10)
Myofunctional therapy today
The lecture presents the history and present of myofunctional orthodontic appliances, which still occupy an important place in today’s orthodontic treatment.
Balters’, Fränkel’s or Klammt’s bimaxillary orthodontic appliances are often regarded as historical, unfashionable, and ineffective orthodontic artifacts. However, the practical experience of orthodontists who know how to work with them proves the opposite. Moreover, there is currently a renaissance in the concept of functional orthodontic therapy in the context of a holistic view of the human body and its various diseases.
The lecture invites to reflect that the orofacial system and its disorders, including orthodontic anomalies, cannot be understood in isolation. The authors try to answer the question of whether the current view of functional appliances is different than before, what are their undeniable advantages even today, what are the indications and contexts of incorporating functional appliances into a comprehensive treatment plan for orthodontic patients.
Case studies will demonstrate the various functional appliances used today and their applications. The authors will also answer the question of whether and how today’s functional appliances are better, clarify the spectrum of their use, and highlight current myofunctional therapy options.

MDDr. Martin Šrubař

4. 10. 2024 (13:30–14:00)
Digital orthodontics in everyday practice
With the introduction of intraoral scanning a few years ago, we started the path to full digitization of our orthodontic practice. Since then, we have been changing our established practices in incremental steps to improve the efficiency and quality of our work, thanks mainly to digital applications and artificial intelligence. Today, a fully digital workflow is an integral part of our orthodontic practice, from the in-house production of foil braces or Hyrax appliances to the use of artificial intelligence to monitor treatment and communicate with patients. This approach requires the interplay of the entire team, and the orthodontic assistant plays an important role throughout the process.

MUDr. Radmila Novozámská

4. 10. 2024 (14:00–14:30)
Treatment options for the uncooperative patient
Fear and anxiety are common problems in pediatric patients and managing them is of paramount importance in their treatment. The primary goal should be to establish good collaboration using adequate techniques focusing on communication and education of the young patient and their companion. However, we are not always successful in doing this, even taking into account the age, temperament, upbringing and previous experiences of the child. We do not always have enough time to develop this collaboration. The basis for these situations is the possibility of using different types of sedation and, in collaboration with the anesthetic team, also treatment under general anesthesia.

MUDr. Kristína Filipi, Ph.D.

4. 10. 2024 (14:30–15:00)
In-office communication. Children and parents–do we speak the same language?
Every dentist or dental hygienist, as well as parents, aims to teach children how to properly care for their teeth and oral cavity. This simple goal can be achieved through proper brushing techniques with tools and regular check-ups in the dental office.
But how do we achieve this clear goal in communicating with patients who may speak a different language, are toddlers or preschoolers have a fear, adverse experience or their own opinion?
With pediatric patients, parents enter the communication triangle and have their own experience, cleaning technique, hygienist, aids, or internet knowledge. The age group of teenagers naturally rejects authority and the imposition of opinions not only or mainly from parents. We are also limited by the time we spend trying to convince patients of our truth and knowledge. Patients may not even have a negative dental experience, leaving us with no choice but to scare them with a scary picture or story.
Is this the best way to achieve patient compliance?
If this is the first visit, we need to impress and gain confidence for the next visit. Without trust, the patient won’t cooperate.
Consider the strategy, maybe reduce the requirements, and gradually include individual aids.
With children, it is good to praise even small progress and create curiosity. It is also important to listen to see if we have the same common goal in children and parents. It is also important to remember that the most important moment is the daily care at home, which the parent takes over when the child cannot cope.
And is there a group of patients for whom no psychological procedures and professional recommendations apply?