Informed choice

A significant proportion of patients are 'warm' to the idea of elective dentistry. So says a recent survey commissioned by the British Dental Trade Association (BDTA). The problem is that as many as a fifth of those surveyed did not know what services their current dentist offers. However with 52 per cent of NHS patients and 45 per cent of private claiming not to have ever had any elective or cosmetic dental treatments, there is clearly a big opportunity for dentists to encourage the public to consider such treatments.

Patients also said that they relied on their dentist for information and trusted their advice. The majority said they would ask their dentist if they wanted to find out more about elective or cosmetic dentistry. Having a well recommended and trusted dentist was a major factor and very important to people when choosing or deciding to stay with a dentist. Trust in their dentist is far more important for patients than specialist skills or experience.