The Art of Patient Facilitation ~ Three Part Series

Success in complex implant case acceptance requires both advanced clinical knowledge and masterful communication skills. In this three-part course, we will discuss the patient facilitation skills that are essential to building meaningful relationships with patients, exploring possibilities for optimal health, function and appearance, and influencing your patients’ decision-making process.

Values clarification is a core part of the facilitation process. What is important to our patients both short- and long-term? What are our patients’ disabilities? What changes would our patients like to see for the benefit of their future oral health? The more we understand those we serve as individuals, the better we can create a safe environment that builds trust and confidence. If we don’t understand our patients’ issues, concerns and priorities, we are simply pushing our agenda and clinical goals on them. This form of pressure invites resistance from our patients.

It is our job as implant dentists and health care providers to listen to our patients’ values and understand the deeper meaning of what is important to them. What has shaped their beliefs, fears, and barriers? What do they want to be different? How will achieving that goal impact them personally and socially? We must help them find their own motivation for pursuing and accomplishing their desired outcome. When our patients see that we are truly interested in them and their quality of life, and have confidence in our ability to provide exceptional care, they will welcome and rely on our input and guidance.

Dr. James Amstadt invites you to learn more about the fundamentals of patient facilitation in this three-part course with Terry Goss and Janis du Pratté.

Terry Goss and Janis du Pratté understand team dynamics, leadership, patient communication dynamics and how to provide extraordinary care in comprehensive dentistry. Having worked with hundreds of dental practices over the years, Terry and Janis have intensely studied the methods most effective in helping people learn. They are committed to uncovering the unique talents in each person and helping them reach peak performance and abundant success as individuals and as a facilitative team. Terry and Janis are dedicated to helping dentists and their entire team make a significant difference in the lives of their clients, as well as helping them live more fulfilling and satisfying professional lives.

Session I ~ Co-Discovery

Co-discovery implies “learning with.” During the patient facilitation process, we learn about the patient while they learn about themselves. As we discover what our patients are currently aware of and concerned about, we can begin to explore what that means to them and how it is impacting their quality of life. Our ability to understand our patients is essential to creating an environment of safety and trust.

The first and most fundamental skill in this process is asking POWERFUL QUESTIONS driven by authentic and genuine CURIOSITY. As implant dentists, we are good at gathering data; however, curiosity aimed at understanding what lies below the surface of this data is a skill worth developing. True mastery comes with the insight, intuition, and ability to know when there is more to the story and the courage to go deeper. Just when we think we are at the finish line, asking just one more question may open a treasure trove of values that are important to the patient.

Course Objectives

  • Three levels of listening
  • Listening for values
  • Reflective listening
  • Neuroscience of curiosity
  • Asking power questions
  • Creating a climate safe from criticism, judgment and selling

Sign up for this all-important module by contacting Dr. James Amstadt Consulting, LLC. Please call (920) 210-2149 or email Dr. Jim at dramstadt@gmail.com.