Dental News - Survey: One in three nervous about seeing the dentist

Dental Tribune USA

Fri. 12 February 2016

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DOYLESTOWN, Pa., USA One out of three Americans admits to being nervous about seeing the dentist and nearly half consider dental visits a “necessary evil,” according to the results of an online survey published recently. Conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of OPT-In Dental Advantage, a branded private practice organization dedicated to patient advocacy, the survey found that misconceptions about dental visits persist among a significant portion of Americans.

“Despite considerable advancements in preventative care and technology, making dentistry easier and more comfortable than ever before, patients still have real concerns about dental visits,” said OPT-In Dental Advantage Founder and President Dr. Dean Mersky. “We as dentists have a responsibility to address those concerns. We need to bridge the gap between truth and fiction to create trust between dentists and patients. That’s why OPT-In is launching a dental education campaign, Speaking The Tooth, focused on dispelling patients’ fears by sharing free and accessible information about everything from the reality of how dental insurance works to what to ask your dentist at every check-up.”

The survey of more than 2,000 adults also revealed that older patients tend to have more negative perceptions of dental visits than their younger counterparts, and nearly one in five of those polled lacks certainty about their personal dental health.

“We want to address the factors that are preventing patients from feeling confident and comfortable in their interactions with their dentists,” Mersky explained. “Sharing quality information about the true ins and outs of oral health will open communication channels and help make patient-dentist relationships what they should be. It’s time to take the worry and mystery out of a dental visit and make the experience one that builds confidence instead.”

In support of the aim of empowering patients through access to dental information, Speaking The Tooth materials are now available on the OPT-In website, www.optindentaladvantage.com/blog.

OPT-In Dental Advantage is the nation’s first branded private practice organization dedicated to patient advocacy. Founded in 2014 by Dr. Dean Mersky, an industry veteran with over 25 years’ experience practicing dentistry, OPT-In provides patients with the tools and knowledge they need to communicate effectively with their dentists.

Serving over 60,000 patients annually, OPT-In also offers patients access to high-quality private practice dentists with offices in thirty states throughout the country.

(Source: OPT-In Dental Advantage)

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