When you're a dentist, you may encounter patients who don't believe that COVID-19 is all that serious. This can be a difficult situation to deal with, especially if you're trying to protect them from the virus. If you're a dentist, how do you handle this situation? In this blog post, we'll provide some tips on how to deal with patients like this.
First, Why Do Some Patients Think COVID Is Harmless?
There are a number of reasons why some patients may not think that COVID-19 is a serious threat. For one, they may not be aware of the severity of the virus. They may have seen reports of people with mild symptoms who recovered quickly, so they may not think the virus is dangerous.
Additionally, some patients may be in denial about the seriousness of the virus. They may not want to believe that something so dangerous could exist, and so they convince themselves that it isn't real. Finally, some patients may be reluctant to accept the fact that they need to take precautions to protect themselves from the virus. They may not want to wear a mask or avoid contact with other people, so they downplay the seriousness of the virus.
Whatever the reason, it's important to be patient with these patients and try to help them understand the severity of COVID-19.
How to Deal With Patients Who Don't Understand the Severity
Calmly Explain The Risks
The first step is to calmly explain the risks of COVID-19 to your patients. Some people are simply not aware of how serious the virus can be, and so it's important to educate them on the dangers. You can tell them about the severity of the illness, the potential for long-term effects, and the fact that there is not an actual cure yet. You can also show them statistics on the number of people who have been affected by the virus.
Refer Them to Another Office
Sometimes, it may be best to refer your patients to another office. This is especially true if they are resistant to taking precautions or if they are constantly asking you questions about the virus in an aggressive way. By referring them to another office, you can protect yourself, your staff, and your other patients from exposure to the virus.
Dismiss Them From Your Office
In some cases, you may need to dismiss your patients from your office. This is usually a last resort, but it may be necessary if they are constantly refusing to take precautions or if they are being disruptive. While it can be difficult to dismiss a patient, it's important to remember that you have a responsibility to protect your office.
Take Precautions Yourself
It's also important to take precautions yourself, even if your patients don't believe that COVID-19 is a serious threat. This includes wearing a mask, washing your hands often, and avoiding contact with people who are sick. By taking these precautions, you can protect yourself and your patients in case they are infected with the virus.
Conclusion
Dealing with patients who don't believe that COVID-19 is a serious threat can be difficult. However, it's important to remember that you have a responsibility to protect yourself and your patients. You can do this by calmly explaining the risks of the virus, referring them to another office, or dismissing them from your office. You should also take precautions yourself to protect against the virus.
If you are in need of qualified dental staff in your area, Stynt was created for that very reason. We have professionals across the entire country ready to work in your office.
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