The Psychology of the Dentist-Patient Relationship acquaints dentists with the underlying interpersonal dynamics of their professional work. The author has reviewed the dental and psychological literature about the behavior of dentists and their patients, and used this evidence to evaluate critically the various theoretical models of the dentist-patient relationship. A major aim of this book is to show how the application of soundly based psychological theory and practice can improve patient management, reduce the stress of practicing dentistry, and contribute to the design of effective community dental health campaigns.

Learn to build successful working relationships with your patients Psychology and Dentistry: Mental Health Aspects of Patient Care is a practical guide to an often-neglected aspect of dentistry-the contributions of the behavioral sciences to dental research and practice. Dr. William A. Ayer, Professor of Behavioral Sciences at Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, presents a comprehensive textbook that’s an essential study aid for students preparing for their National Dental Board Examinations and a valuable classroom resource for dental school faculty. This unique book identifies the everyday concerns of dentists, dental students, and dental hygienists, offering proven strategies for patient management and for buildingand maintaininga successful dentist-patient relationship. Psychology and Dentistry examines the contributions of the behavioral sciences to the practice of dentistry, drawing subject matter from a wide range of disciplines that include psychology, sociology, education, anthropology, economics, epidemiology, health services, and public health. The book is a practical guide to developing the necessary skills to conduct effective patient interviews, for teaching patients to manage their dental fears and anxieties, and for dealing with patients who need counseling from mental health professionals. It also addresses special issues that have become relevant to dentists and their staffs in recent years, including child abuse and neglect, spousal violence, elder abuse, aging and changes associated with age, death and dying, and bereavement. Psychology and Dentistry examines: behavior therapies behavioral interventions management techniques for patients with acute and/or chronic pain how to train patients to manage their oral habits how to get patients to comply with health care recommendations pain perception and pain expression the therapeutic use of hypnosis how to make psychological referrals for patients the effect of stress on dentists and dental students and much more! Psychology and Dentistry: Mental Health Aspects of Patient Care is an essential resource for anyone working in the dental field. The book’s practical approach and unique insights are invaluable for helping you develop healthy relationships with your patients.

The Psychology of Dental Care, Second Edition provides information pertinent to the sociological aspects of dentistry. This book discusses the needs of patients who require particular forms of care, thereby helping the general dental practitioner to deal with nervous patients and enhance communication skills. Organized into seven chapters, this edition begins with an overview of some of the problems that dentists encounter in managing patients. This text then explains the importance of preventive care in oral health, which includes both educational and motivational approaches. Other chapters provide suggestions for designing a preventive program that can be adapted for the use of individual patients. This book discusses as well the various ways of measuring pain, which is important for the understanding of psychological approaches to pain relief. The final chapter deals with the dentist's attitudes, behavior, and personality that are important for the understanding of dental care. This book is a valuable resource for dentists and psychologists.

This textbook is exceptional in its coverage of modern theories on the patient-centered approach to communication, preventive dentistry, and dental anxiety. It provides the knowledge and tools required in order to implement a trauma-sensitive approach that will enhance the treatment experience for both the patient and the dental practitioner. General psychological aspects of dentistry and behavior management in patients who experience dental fear, anxiety, and pain are considered in detail. Extensive attention is devoted to the effective delivery of preventive care and dental treatment in a wide range of specific patient groups, including fearful and abused children and patients suffering from depression, personality disorders, psychosis, substance abuse disorders, and eating disorders. The importance of interdisciplinary cooperation and self-care in the dental clinic is also discussed. The book is an international collaborative effort between dentists and psychologists who draw on scientific research as well as their personal experiences in clinical practice. It is an excellent educational resource and will help readers to solve challenges in their own clinical settings.