When a patient has their first great dental experience, it’s a lot like staying at a five-star hotel for the first time—it completely changes how they view the experience, and they begin to assign value to it. That’s what I strive for with every patient I see.
Delivering a five-star experience begins the moment a patient walks through the door. From the lobby to the room where they receive their treatment, a beautiful aesthetic goes a long way towards making the patient feel they are on the receiving end of something special—and that my colleagues and I cared enough about their comfort to create an atmosphere and environment in which they feel respected and valued.
Beyond the importance of that first impression, the technology you use and how much time you spend with a patient to explain their treatment makes all the difference in how they perceive their experience. I have found that when a patient understands what’s going on, it helps to build trust and quell anxiety. People are often unsure about dentistry, but when I take time to ensure they’re part of the process and see what I’m seeing, they are much more likely to be invested in the treatment, but also to follow through and take their dental health more seriously.
And when a patient is invested in their health outcome and can walk around knowing they feel and look better, that’s a five-star experience.
When it comes to making kids feel comfortable in the dental chair, Dr. Willoughby knows that it’s also about ensuring that the parents feel comfortable, too. A calm parent will transmit that energy to their child, making the whole experience more enjoyable.
“I do my best to treat my young patients the way I would my niece or nephew. That means being extra sensitive to things like trigger words, adjusting the type of language I use to ensure they don’t become fearful, and being mindful of sensory sensitivities like bright light or loud noises.”
"As an empath, I genuinely care for each patient and always want the best for them. Recently, a patient with deep stains on her teeth—caused by her mother’s antibiotic use during pregnancy—shared her story with me. After an earlier experience with a dentist who made her feel self-conscious, she had avoided dental care for 40 years.
During our first appointment, we focused on understanding her concerns, not just exams. She wanted a dentist who would listen and approach her with compassion. When she saw her new smile, she was moved to tears. That moment was unforgettable, and I feel truly honored that she placed her trust in me."
As a dentist, Dr. Willoughby wants to ensure that he understands every aspect of the patient experience as though he were sitting in the chair.
That means aside from the technical aspects of taking his time and making sure every bit of excess cement is removed after treatment, he encourages frequent rinsing to get the bad taste out of the mouth, and he even tastes every new dental material, so he knows how his patients feel.
When asked what excites him most about dentistry, Dr. Willoughby answers. “It’s the people. I can talk about innovation all day, but transforming patients’ lives for the better is why I do what I do.
That relationship is such a blessing, and it’s an honor to cultivate these close professional relationships in my job.”
Connect with me through social media or email today so we can get started on creating your healthy lifestyle together.
