Dental Patient: Human Being or Only A Set of Teeth ??

Abstract

The practise of dentistry involves working with patients, who come to us with specific dental problem with a blind faith in us. It is very important that we dentists see our patients as human beings first and not just as a set of teeth. It is rightly said, “Mouth is a Mirror of the Health”. Many of the oral diseases are also associated with systemic conditions including stress, diabetes, genetic disorders or age related diseases. Care should be also emphasized on the surrounding environment which equally contributes to the health of the patient. The aim of this article is to create awareness on the human aspect of our patients, to look beyond teeth and the things we can do to care for our patients as a whole and also the environment.