This lecture will focus on team-based healthcare that can reduce the risk of complications, and use of technology to improve process and communication. Implant surgery can be simplified with pre-operative planning, refinement of methodology and implementation of smart data collection. Complications and problems can be the result of poor processes or systems. Review these processes to reduce this risk.
From initial contact with a potential patient and starting data collection before the first appointment you can be prepared and aware. Be ready to guide and manage patient expectations based on their presenting reality. Use smart patient relation systems to send patient specific information at the right time. Implement digital workflows that become second nature: this allows you to complete tasks with less effort so that all your attention is focused on the unique patient rather than the routine process. Risk factors for peri-implant diseases may be modified, for example behavioural habits of smoking or poor oral hygiene.
As a team we can help the patient understand and amend their risks, improve their commitment and encourage compliance for better outcomes. Regardless of where the technology takes us, high quality healthcare provision will continue to rely on the human touch, common sense for understanding of symptoms, diagnosis and treatment planning. The partnership between dental healthcare providers will continue to evolve. Technology will make these partnerships even better and more relevant than before. As a present day dental care provider you mark the beginnings of what modern day health care will become.
Learning Objectives:
- To understand patient selection and guiding of patient expectations
- To learn to provide patient specific information and risk assessments
- To understand the lead up to an informed patient who can consent for treatment
- To appreciate the concept of team-based healthcare.
- To understand complications and consequences of implant placements: prevention and treatment
- To understand oral hygiene instructions and maintenance/recall for the implant patient