How to stop your dentist from using too much jargon!

Having a good relationship with your dentist means they should be able to explain things clearly to you and talk to you in language that you understand.  In their professional training, doctors learn many unusual and technical terms.  But often there is no need to use this terminology with the patient.  Using these terms becomes a habit and they forget to translate for the patient.

Many common dental words such as restoration (filling), periodontal disease (disease of the gums and bone that hold your teeth in your jaw) and occlusion (how the teeth come together) can easily be translated into terms that patients understand.

At the NYC Smile Spa, we help you understand in plain language as much about your dental health as possible. We prefer that you stop us and ask what terms mean if you don’t understand our recommendations.  It is critical that YOU, the patient participate in decisions about your health. That means that you need to understand your diagnosis and all of your treatment options. Dentists often slip into jargon out of habit or because it allows them to communicate more easily with others on their team.  So, if ever you don’t understand something, don’t be shy, just ask!

For more information, you can contact Dr. Michael Krochak at

drk@nycsmilespa.com

NYC Smile Spa

30 E. 60th St., Rm 1201

New York, NY 10022

(212) 838-2900

Relax and smile!