Is Patient-Centered Dentistry a Fraud?

Patient-centered dentistry is a term that has gained popularity in recent years. It highlights the idea that we are all different, which necessitates various tools and approaches for effective patient treatment.

However, is there anything fundamentally new about this concept? The answer is no. Medicine has always operated this way. For instance, a child receives half the dose of paracetamol compared to an adult, and patients with liver issues receive a reduced dose of amoxicillin. Physicians have always tailored treatments based on individual needs—that's simply ethical practice in medicine.

It seems that people sometimes try to package redundant concepts in attractive ways to make them seem novel.

Consider soccer: it has a fan-driven culture, with the game structured around entertainment and supporter engagement. There are televisions, commercials, and primetime broadcasts geared toward enhancing the fan experience. Yet, amidst all this, there exists a critical character—the referee. Perhaps one of the most important figures in the game, the referee is often overlooked, and we don't hear about "referee-centered football."

The referee, whether male or female, typically wears yellow or black. According to the Premier League's Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO), a match referee makes around 245 decisions per game—about three times more than an average player touches the ball in 90 minutes. This averages to one decision every 22 seconds, with an accuracy rate of about 80 percent. But if a referee makes a crucial mistake, such as an erroneous penalty call or a goal decision, it can feel like a national tragedy.

Fan reactions vary based on cultural context. A questionable decision in Colombia or Argentina might provoke extreme outrage, while fans in Denmark or Sweden might respond with understanding, saying, “Hey, we are human; we make mistakes."

In a fan-centered approach, FIFA could have attempted to promote a campaign to sensitize fans to the humanity of referees: “Hey, referees are human; we all fail,” for example. However, this approach risks failure, especially in fan cultures where corruption theories abound.

Instead, FIFA took a different path. They implemented a referee-centered solution, understanding that while satisfying players and fans is vital, empowering referees through technology, education, and mental preparation would lead to a reduction in critical errors. This, in turn, would enhance fan acceptance and enjoyment of the game.

Educational programs for referees and the introduction of technology, such as Video Assistant Referee (VAR), were pivotal in helping officials make better decisions in challenging situations. The result? A staggering 96% accuracy rate in decision-making.

It´s a Referee Centered Soccer

Now, let's apply this concept to patient-centered dentistry.

Acknowledging that every patient is unique is just the starting point. While it's essential to respect and praise patients, we must also empower dentists through education and skill development.

That's why a Patient-Centered Dentistry concept is not enough, and, when used in half-words, a fraud

By focusing on the performance of dentists—training their bodies, minds, and skills, and incorporating technology and artificial intelligence—we can ensure they make the best decisions for their patients. This involves prioritizing physical fitness, engaging in continuous learning, and honing the skills necessary for a high success rate in clinical decisions.

Ultimately, by empowering dentists, we enable them to recognize unique patient characteristics and deliver optimal care.

It's time to adopt a Dentist-Centered Dentistry approach.

Dentist Centered Dentistry Approach