Dental News - Slow Dentistry seeks to empower dental patients

Dental Tribune International

Fri. 4. October 2019

save

LUCERNE, Switzerland: Slow Dentistry is a concept developed by a group of international clinicians in order to combat the pressure to perform and achieve instant results which is often put on the dental profession by the dental industry. The concept is based on four universal key principles that patients can use as a checklist. The concept is aimed at empowering patients to be confident about their safety, well-being and comfort and at helping them better understand dental treatment.

According to a report published earlier this year, UK dentists experience a high level of self-reported stress and burn-out in their workplace. The paper suggests that future interventions should not solely focus on individual solutions, such as stress management, but also seek global solutions, such as changing aspects of the working environment. According to Slow Dentistry, a shift towards a slower pace of care would not only ensure patient safety but also reduce the triggers that cause anxiety for practitioners.

“The four cornerstones are easily identifiable and are a means to allow patients to influence their own safety and well-being 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,” said Dr Miguel Stanley, a co-founder of Slow Dentistry. “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,” he commented.

“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,” said Dr Rhona Eskander, one of the global ambassadors for Slow Dentistry.

“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 I am honoured to be part of something that is set to shape the dental sphere through its patient-centred approach,” she continued.

The four cornerstones relate to room disinfection, informed consent, anaesthesia and rubber dam isolation, for which the patient asks the following questions:

Has the practice been thoroughly disinfected?
Have the risks and rewards been explained and have I, the patient, signed a consent form?
Is my anaesthetic working?
Is a rubber dam being used where necessary to prevent cross contamination?

More information about Slow Dentistry and its upcoming events can be found here.

Tags:

To post a reply please login or register

DDS.Berlin: First Digital Dentistry Show sees successful launch

BERLIN, Germany: The Digital Dentistry Show, an innovative new event series, will premiere on 28 and 29 June at the ARENA BERLIN in Germany. Under the name ...

Low-level laser therapy in dentistry: New opportunities to treat your patients

Laser therapy is not a foreign concept to most dental practitioners as many practitioners include surgical lasers in their arsenal of high-tech equipment. ...

Microplastics in dentistry: An invisible threat to patients and practitioners

WASHINGTON, US: Covering everything, including composite fillings and disposable suction tips, plastics are woven into all aspects of modern dental care. ...

Partnership seeks to improve Indigenous representation in dental workforce

SYDNEY, Australia: Though an estimated 3.3% of the Australian population identifies as Indigenous, statistics collated by the Australian Institute of Health...

UnionTech empowers dentistry with the latest dental 3D-printing solutions

BIRMINGHAM, UK: Held at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham on 17 and 18 May, Dental Technology Showcase 2024 attracted both local and ...

NYU Dentistry to increase access to dental implants for patients in need thanks to Straumann

NEW YORK, U.S.: The New York University College of Dentistry (NYU Dentistry) has received funding and in-kind support from Straumann Group North America, a ...

Interview: "It is time to rethink and adapt dental education to empower women"

As the manager of a dental practice and the co-founder of the Deutsches Zahnärztinnensymposium (DZÄS), an event that provides a forum for female dentists ...

The ideal toothbrush to recommend to patients

KRIENS, Switzerland: Dental professionals are expertly positioned to guide patients towards an oral health routine that is both effective and gentle. The ...

British Dental Conference & Dentistry Show kicks off today in Birmingham

BIRMINGHAM, England: The 2025 British Dental Conference & Dentistry Show (BDCDS) promises to be the most inspiring and influential edition yet. Taking ...

H3D seeks to remedy technician shortage with AI CAD for dental laboratories

MELBOURNE, Australia: H3D, a leading provider of artificial intelligence-assisted CAD (AI CAD) to the hearing aid industry, has announced that it is now ...

Education

Live webinar
Tue. 23 September 2025
10:00 am EST (New York)