Dentistry, Psychology, and the Doctor

Most people probably go their whole lives without thinking about where the two sciences of psychology and dentistry come together, but Dr. Dieter Schönwetter is at the meeting point of the two fields.  

At first glance, the study of the mind (psychology), and the science of oral health (dentistry) seem pretty far apart. Why would your mood or attitude affect your teeth? Your teeth don’t just suddenly fall out because you had a bad day, or developed some kind of mental complex. Right? 

Well, with recent, closer examination, it seems the link between mental and dental health is stronger after all. If someone has a phobia of going to the dentist, for instance, then it stands to reason that that person’s teeth will suffer in the long-run. 

Numerous psychological and neurological problems (such as depression and bipolar disorder) are also associated with heavy drug use, which wreak havoc on the body at large, particularly the teeth.  

Compulsive eaters often are plagued by addiction, or addiction-like symptoms to sugary and fatty foods, which are obviously bad for the teeth, too. 

And finally, many people who with deeply–rooted anxiety issues turn to smoking, which is notably terrible for the teeth, gums, and throat. So, maybe there is more here than first meets the eye. 

How can the two fields work together? 

There are actually a few simple ways in which it’s clear how psychology can aid dentistry: 

Beating Dental Anxiety 

Dental-related anxiety is one of the main reasons people don’t go to their dentists. Yet, going to a dentist regularly is one of the best ways to maintain long-term oral health, right up there with brushing and flossing. 

So, how does psychology help? 

For one, patients who had bad experiences in their past can be slowly brought back into the dentist’s office through gradual exposure to the dental experience. This helps someone slowly get comfortable with the idea of regular dental care at an office. 

Deep breathing exercises also help overcome panic, or help a patient who feels anxiety. 

Communication 

Better communication skills between dentists and patients also play a part. For example, if a patient feels pain, he or she can raise a hand to let the doctor know.  

Dentists can also have an ongoing conversation with patients so they can receive feedback as well as give advice to clients. This reminds people to independently maintain constant dental hygiene as well as go in for their check-ups.  

Training and Development 

Psychologists are using different types of therapy to help dental professionals reduce anxiety and phobias in their patients. They are training future dentists and oral hygienists on effective communication with patients, pain management, and helping patients stop smoking. 

The unity of these two medical fields supports oral health improvements in dental patients as they become more open to future dental visits. At the same time, patients will get the help they need to cut out unhealthy activities and improve their own personal dental care. Information technology possible that these two fields together will someday play a part in advising public policy. If so, it could help millions get healthier. 

For further reading on the topic, click here. 

Dr. Dieter Schönwetter 

Dr. Shönwetter himself didn’t think psychology and dentistry would go together when he first graduated. He left college with a PhD in Social Psychology in 1996. However, he has found great satisfaction in changing the idea of a dentist as a type of doctor who “only uses his or hands” to someone who also “focuses on the patient behind the tooth.”  

Shönwetter is an accomplished researcher and a well-regarded faculty at his university. He has hundreds of academic accomplishments to his name. He was awarded the Association of Canadian Faculties of Dentistry National Teaching Award in 2018, and he has worked as an educational consultant for more than 30 health schools around the world. He is motivated by a goal to help people. Read more about him and his work here. 

Helping the professionals 

The specifics of Shönwetter’s work comes down to training future dentists, particularly 3rd and 4th-year dental students. He helps them with the social skills needed to run a practice, like good communication with patients and staff. 

Social Media and Psychology 

Some of Shönwetter’s specific work in the training of future dentists specifically involves Facebook. One of his ideas teachings is about the “perils and pearls” of social media. He also created a set of guiding principles for professional conduct on Facebook, as well as a tool to asses and evaluate student and professional Facebook pages. 

Despite having been around for over 20 years, social media has only taken the world by storm in the last decade or so. It’s still new ground for people, and this includes existing and future professionals in the dental field. Younger people, the future dentists that Shönwetter trains, have grown up with social media, which enables anyone to share any part of his or her life. Shönwetter believes that many people don’t know where to draw this important line—what should be seen by the public, and what should not? 

Read more about Shönwetter’s social media and psychology training here. 

Doctors Who See the Patient Behind the Tooth 

If you have some dental anxiety yourself, or maybe you just want to be seen as more than another mouth to get a cleaning, consider Josey Lane Dentistry, in Carrollton Texas. The dentists at Josey Lane work hard to not only provide you the best dental service, but the best service they can. They communicate frequently with their clients, giving them tips about oral hygiene and remind them of coming dental cleanings.  

The dentists at Josey Lane are lifelong learners and keep up with the most recent information regarding the science of dentistry—including how psychology can help their patients stay as healthy as possible.