Dental professionals are being encouraged to adopt a slower pace in their dental practices in order to better ensure patient safety and reduce their own work related stress.

The Slow Dentistry concept is the brainchild of a group of international clinicians with a vision to build a network of worldwide dental practices signed up to delivering four universal key principles that any patient can use as a checklist.

They believe this will empower patients to be confident of their safety, wellbeing, comfort and understanding of treatment when in the dentist’s chair.

Slow Dentistry reflects a cultural shift in the pace of life generally. The ‘slow movement’ itself is a reaction to the 21st-century desires for instant gratification, a modern-day mind-set that poses a risk to good dentistry and causes stress for those trying to deliver it.

According to a report published in the British Dental Journal this year, there are high levels of self-reported stress and burnout among UK dentists. The paper, A survey of stress, burnout and wellbeing in UK dentists suggests that future interventions should not solely focus on individual solutions such as stress management, but also look at global solutions such as changing aspects of the working environment.

A shift towards a slower pace of care not only ensures ultimate patient safety, it also reduces the triggers that causes anxiety for practitioners.

One of the founders, Dr Miguel Stanley who has more than 20 years of clinical experience, understands the negative effects of this need for speed and, for him, sound ethics play a huge part in building a foundation for excellence. He and likeminded colleagues developed the concept of Slow Dentistry to combat the impact on a profession often under pressure to perform and achieve results instantly.

He explains: 'The four cornerstones are easily identifiable and are a means to allow patients to influence their own safety and wellbeing at the dentist. We encourage everyone to insist on having the time to explain and understand, the time to ensure that anaesthetic is effective and to take note of all aspects of hygiene.

'Whilst we may assume this is all happening – and in many cases it is – the cornerstones of Slow Dentistry encourage patients to take some control over their appointments.'

For those seeking to reassure their patients of the quality of their dental practices, the founders believe this ethos creates an easy-to-follow navigation tool.

The ‘four cornerstones’ are based on the concept of a patient asking the following questions:

  • Is the practice thoroughly disinfected?
  • Have the risks been explained and has my patient signed a consent form?
  • Is my anaesthetic working?
  • Is a rubber dam being used?

Slow starters

There are already several well-known UK practitioners among the global ambassadors for Slow Dentistry, inspirational figures for future generations of dentists, all chosen for their reputation as industry leaders. They include award-winning dentists Dr Rhona Eskander, Dr Zaki Kanaan, Dr Koray Foran, Dr Jameel Gardee and Dr Simon Chard.

Explaining her advocacy for embracing a change of pace in the way she practises, Dr Eskander explains: 'Having created a large client base through my passion and love for dentistry, I found myself overwhelmed and unable to cope with the growing patient list. It soon became evident to me that time was what I needed, and what is essential to provide the best care for my patients.

'I then came across Slow Dentistry – the epitome of excellence in dentistry. No compromises must be made. I soon made active changes to ensure that my patients received the best. This is a platform that is long awaited and am honoured to be part of something that is set to shape the dental sphere through its patient-centred approach.'

If you want to join the clinicians already signed up to saying no to 30-minute dentistry, you can sign up here https://www.Slow Dentistry.com/how-to-become-a-member/.

By doing so, you will feature among the listed practices around the globe where patients can find you via a dedicated online geo-locator.

For practitioners looking to discover more about the initiative, the first ever UK Slow Dentistry event is taking place in London on Saturday 23 November. Supported by VoCo, the meeting is being held at the Atmosphere 29 – https://atmospherevenues.com – from 5.30pm until 8.00pm and delegates are invited to join in the discussion about how going slow can impact your day-to-day practice and improve overall success.

There are 200 places available to the first dental professionals to book. To reserve your place email enquiries@Slow Dentistry.com.

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