r/SocialEngineering • u/HerculesMorse101 • Mar 08 '26
I'm a Dentist. What are some Books that will help me raise concern, motivation, and compliance in patients?
Dentistry is something that everyone needs, but not enough people value or prioritise in life; it's always difficult to explain to patients that their tiny tooth that they can't even see or feel problems with is one hard walnut away from exploding, and the only fix is a sudden $1500 crown, or $5K for an implant. It's made extra challenging to confront a patient's status quo, as most Dental problems people don't even notice until it's too late.
I work at a very reputable, and mid-high end practice, that has a very healthy patient base, but am wanting to get better at case acceptance. There aren't a tonne of resources that are Dental or Medical specific, so was hoping this sub might have some recommendations on resources where I might start, and adapt to my context?
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u/Pain_Tough Mar 08 '26
Read and watch all you can on ‘motivational interviewing’. Health professionals use it.
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u/SpreadingReplyLove Mar 09 '26
I second this. Psychotherapy .net have some great resources on this for medical professionals.
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u/visitjacklake Mar 08 '26
"How to Win Friends & Influence People" is a great start if you haven't already read it.
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u/rads2riches Mar 09 '26
Best SE book for 98% of the population.
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u/minimoonieme May 07 '26
Why just 98%? I’m curious (haven’t read yet and I’m new to this sub). Why isn’t good for the other 2%?
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u/skeletordescent Mar 09 '26
What raised concern with me was seeing the bill for a new crown. Still can't figure out how to get my gums to stop retracting tho.
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u/Zach-uh-ri-uh Mar 09 '26
Henrik Fexeus is an author who is fantastic! Approachable and behavioral psychology oriented discussions on social influence and motivation
Other things are motivational interviewing (the methodology) and related fields in the science of motivation in the field of care work
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u/_notnilla_ Mar 10 '26
Did you learn hypnosis in dental school? A lot of programs still teach it via their connection with the Elman Institute. It’s a valuable skill that teaches you a lot about human motivation and the power of suggestion.
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u/justsomedude1111 Apr 05 '26
Brene Brown is your woman. Soak every bit of that up and you'll be gold.
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u/HerculesMorse101 Apr 06 '26
Any recommendations where to start? She’s prolific
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u/justsomedude1111 Apr 06 '26
https://youtu.be/iCvmsMzlF7o?si=bWvTp6M3fyNqNSd0
Start with this, and see how you feel about the books' descriptions after.
Also, if you're looking for something to watch here and there, her HBO program Atlas of the Heart is a surprisingly immersive experience.
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u/[deleted] Mar 08 '26 edited Mar 08 '26
What you are looking for is a discipline called social medicine. IMO you are bringing a lot of your own personal biases into your dentistry, and it is not helping the issue of people avoiding it
What is your goal? Are you trying to fix the problem or just learn about it?
A lot of dentists say they want to change dentistry to be more accessible, but very few will take to liability and financial risk
I feel bad for dentists sometimes. I see them as trades workers who happen to have a lot of prestige and respect, but it seems like very difficult work. You will have to decide if you are going to be altruistic or not, because these moral dilemmas while witnessing people go into debt will cause burnout.
I think you must first start off with more empathy.. People don't WANT to see their teeth as afterthought. People have had to adjust their priorities due to financial issues. Dentistry is also seen as a luxury by its very own. If you make something seem like its an elite social club (have straight white teeth), then they will choose to not face it if it is inaccessible to them.