Ep 177: Clinical: Discussing Dental Care, with Dr. Amy Thomson

Welcome to another So You’re a Vet… Now What? episode. In this episode, Dr. Mariah McCauley delves into a crucial aspect of veterinary practice – discussing dental care with clients.As a veterinarian in small animal general practice, addressing dental health and related treatments is a daily occurrence. However, starting these conversations can be challenging, especially for new graduates. To shed light on this, Dr. Mariah is joined by Dr. Amy Thomson, a renowned boarded dentist, and oral surgeon, who offers invaluable insights and tips to make these discussions more seamless and approachable.During the conversation, Dr. Mariah and Dr. Amy cover topics such as appropriate terminology (like "comprehensive oral health assessment and treatment" or "co-hat" instead of just "dental"), explaining the necessity of dental treatments, discussing costs, and involving clients as essential team members in their pet's treatment journey.The episode emphasizes the significance of using language that accurately conveys the issue to clients. Instead of just mentioning "dental disease," Dr. Amy suggests using "periodontal disease" to underscore the involvement of various oral tissues. This helps create a deeper understanding of the problem and its implications.They also touch upon ways to engage clients by discussing the physical examination process. Dr. Mariah and Dr. Amy highlight how narrating the exam helps clients appreciate the value of the veterinarian's assessment and instills confidence in the diagnosis. Furthermore, they explore the intricacies of discussing costs with clients, acknowledging the potential financial strain, and working together to find suitable solutions.The conversation concludes with a reminder that effective communication and a collaborative approach are crucial in guiding clients toward informed decisions regarding their pet's dental health. So, if you're a new grad or a seasoned practitioner seeking strategies to navigate dental care conversations successfully, tune in to this episode for expert insights and practical tips.Episode Outline [00:00] Episode Intro [01:50] Dr. Mariah welcomes Dr. Amy Thomson [02:35] What is a co-hat? [05:16] Explaining animal dental activities to a client [06:12] Using the appropriate terminologies for diseases[09:27] Dr. Amy gives her opinion on Blacklight diseases [14:06] How do you have the conversation with those clients that helps them be on board and validates the cost of that co-hat?[17:06] Enhancing communication with the client [18:35] Episode outroShow Links https://www.drdavenicol.com/product-page/the-yellow-pages-are-dead-digital-marketing-for-vets Connect with Dr. Amy Thomson LinkedInInstagram Website