ACP Webinar: Treating People Not Patients
In ideal dental and medical care, the focus should be on treating the whole person, not just addressing individual issues. Unfortunately, this is not always the reality. Healthcare professionals, including both dentists and physicians, are often trained to perform specific procedures rather than providing comprehensive care. Dental education, in particular, tends to emphasize the mastery of isolated technical skills and procedures, often neglecting the broader concept of patient care.
Michael K. Sonick, DMD
Univeristy of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine
In ideal dental and medical care, the focus should be on treating the whole person, not just addressing individual issues. Unfortunately, this is not always the reality. Healthcare professionals, including both dentists and physicians, are often trained to perform specific procedures rather than providing comprehensive care. Dental education, in particular, tends to emphasize the mastery of isolated technical skills and procedures, often neglecting the broader concept of patient care (consider the rigorous requirements of dental school).
The result of this fragmented approach is a diminished ability to gain patient acceptance for treatment that truly serves both their needs and the healthcare provider's goals. Our mission is to foster strong, trusting relationships built on transparency and shared decision-making between the patient, doctor, and staff.
Achieving treatment acceptance that aligns with the patient’s best interests requires an approach that goes beyond simply presenting a report of findings or listing procedures. In this presentation, Dr. Sonick will share the key communication strategies that have enabled him to build a successful practice, where more than 90% of patients agree to comprehensive dental treatments. His fee-for-service practice is regularly booked three months in advance. With decades of experience and ongoing study, Dr. Sonick will not only share fascinating clinical cases, but also guide you through the critical aspects of office design and team building that are essential to creating a patient-centered environment.
At the conclusion of this session, the attendee should be able to:
- Establish rapport, trust, and engagement with patients.
- Build a servant-hearted team that delivers WOW experience.
- Achieve higher patient acceptance of comprehensive treatment.
Biography: Michael Sonick, DMD, is a full-time practicing periodontist in Fairfield, CT and guest lecturer at NYU and the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He is the author of the book Treating People Not Patients and co-editor Implant Site Development and serves on multiple editorial boards. His mission is to improve the quality of patients’ lives.