Monthly Archive: May 2024

Running a dental practice requires patient satisfaction. When patients are happy, they will return and refer friends.

Offering flexible appointment capabilities is another great way to put patients first. Local physicians are also a fantastic source of referrals, as they often see patients with limited insurance coverage who need help.

1. Excellent Communication

Patient-centred care is a key principle of healthcare, but it’s not possible without good communication. During appointments, patients need to be able to express themselves freely and ask questions without feeling intimidated or embarrassed. Moreover, they need to trust their dentists and feel comfortable enough to discuss sensitive topics, such as oral health problems.

Studies have shown that the quality of dentists’ bedside manner is important in shaping patients’ perceptions of their treatment. A gruff, unfriendly demeanor can leave a bad impression and prevent patients from coming back for future appointments.

In addition to a friendly, welcoming attitude, dentists should use simple language and demonstrate empathy when communicating with patients. For example, they should avoid asking leading questions (e.g., ‘Do you floss and brush twice daily?’) and compound questions, which are confusing for patients (e.g., ‘Are you experiencing any of the following symptoms?’).

Some studies have found that patients’ level of trust in their dentists and the amount of information they receive about their dental health are related to their feelings of shame or anxiety. However, social class has been found to moderate the relationship between these variables. For example, members of the professional/managerial classes may be more likely to assimilate and use dentists’ health information than members of the manual classes.

2. Compassionate Care

A compassionate dentist in Balwyn understands that the patient experience is more than a trip to the chair. It’s about establishing trust and a solid relationship, particularly since dental treatments are not exactly pleasant for most people.

A lot of what constitutes compassionate care can be as simple as sharing a real-life anecdote or offering a genuine compliment. It also involves actively listening to a patient’s concerns and anxieties. This allows the dentist to better elicit the information needed for an accurate diagnosis and more effective treatment.

They will respects a patient’s time and avoids making them wait longer than necessary. Patients are busy, and when a practice routinely runs behind schedule, it sends a message that they don’t value the patient. In addition, they will also offers to follow up with patients after their appointment. This lets them know that they’re not simply a number and that the dentist is always thinking of them. It’s a small gesture that makes a big difference to most patients. They’re more likely to come back and to refer their friends and family.

3. Compassionate Staff

When people talk about their healthcare providers, they often mention the doctor’s or therapist’s bedside manner. A gruff and unfriendly demeanor can turn a routine appointment into a stressful experience. Fortunately, patients can choose to visit dental offices with friendly and caring staff members.

Putting patients first requires that dentist in Deepdene and their teams take the time to make each patient feel comfortable. This includes minimizing distractions by shutting off electronic devices and asking patients to put their music on mute. It also means being an active listener and not making judgments about what is being said. Paraphrasing and asking clarifying questions are helpful tools in this regard.

Another way to show your patients that you care is by hosting continuing education and lunch-and-learn sessions on a range of dental topics, including treatment planning. Deutsch says that this approach helps patients achieve their desired restorations more quickly and reduces the amount of laboratory time needed to complete cases. And, she says that going above and beyond for a difficult or challenging patient often prompts them to say they would never use a different laboratory again.

4. Flexible Financing

Most dental procedures come with a price tag that can seem unaffordable to patients without insurance or with limited coverage. As a result, they may delay or decline necessary treatment out of fear of the cost. Thankfully, many dentists who put their patients first offer flexible payment plans to help them afford their care.

Some practices allow patients to make payments over time with a healthcare credit card, which essentially functions as a regular credit card but allows you to pay for medical expenses. These cards typically have high interest rates, so it is important to use them sparingly.

Others have their own in-house financing options that can be more affordable, especially for those with good credit. Upgrade, for example, offers a personal loan for dental expenses that starts at $1,000 with low interest rates and a no prepayment penalty.

Some patients may also be able to use their FSA (flexible spending account) allowance, which is money set aside from each paycheck before taxes to pay for health-related expenses. Be sure to ask about this option when searching for a dentist.

5. Excellent Patient Reviews

The quality of a dental practice’s reviews has never been more important to patients than it is today. Increasingly, consumers rely on the online opinions of other patients to help them make their decisions about businesses.

This is especially true in healthcare, where patient reviews can significantly influence a person’s decision to see a new dentist. As a result, it’s important for dentists to focus on creating positive experiences for their patients and to encourage them to share their experiences on social media and review websites.

It’s also important to remember that today’s patients are busy, and they want to be able to schedule appointments quickly. This means that dental practices need to be able to offer same-day and next-day appointment availability for new and existing patients. Additionally, many patients appreciate dentists who offer weekend hours and the option to request an appointment online. These small touches are essential to ensuring that patients feel a sense of urgency when booking an appointment. Moreover, they help a dentist stand out from competitors who may be slow to respond or only offer limited scheduling options.

In Collaroy and beyond, NDIS exercise physiologists are witnessing a surge in demand, indicative of their indispensable role in enhancing participant well-being. These professionals go beyond conventional fitness regimes, crafting tailored programs that not only bolster physical health but also empower individuals with essential self-care knowledge. By addressing specific health concerns and tailoring programs to individual needs, they enable participants to achieve daily living goals, enhance mobility, and maintain emotional well-being.

Despite their pivotal role, there remains a need for a broader understanding among NDIS planners and coordinators of the profound benefits these allied health professionals offer. Through collaboration and education, we can ensure that every individual receives the support they need to thrive within the NDIS framework. In this article, we delve into the multifaceted contributions of NDIS exercise physiologists in Collaroy, shedding light on their role in fostering independence, strengthening social bonds, and improving the overall quality of life for NDIS participants.

Improved Daily Living

Exercise Physiologists can help NDIS participants achieve their everyday living goals by developing tailored programs. Whether these goals are to boost mobility, improve balance and strength, or reduce spasticity, exercise physiology can significantly improve quality of life. In addition to helping NDIS participants enhance daily activities, exercise physiology has been shown to improve overall mental health and emotional well-being. Regular physical activity releases endorphins, natural mood elevators, and fosters feelings of self-esteem and accomplishment as participants observe their own progress.

As such, collaborating with an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) can be highly beneficial as part of a person-centered plan. AEPs are four-year university degree-qualified allied health professionals who design and deliver prescription exercise for individuals with or at risk of chronic disease, injury, or disability. Currently, AEPs are supported by Australia’s Medicare and DVA compensable schemes, as well as private health insurance providers.

Those with a spinal cord injury (SCI) are encouraged to talk to their NDIS planner or local coordinator (LAC) to determine if their plan includes access to an AEP and if it is funded under the ‘Improved Daily Living’ or ‘Capacity Building – Improved Health and Wellbeing’ support categories. Royal Rehab LifeWorks at Sargood has a team of dedicated NDIS exercise physiologist in Collaroy who can offer a range of rehabilitation services, including individual and group exercise therapy sessions and clinical nurse consultations.

Mobility Maintenance

Having the support of an exercise physiologist ensures that participants maintain their physical fitness levels and continue to make progress toward their goals. It is an important aspect of a holistic care approach, providing a positive impact on a participant’s quality of life.

Regular physical activity releases endorphins, which act as natural mood elevators to reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. It also provides a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence as individuals witness their ongoing improvements. In addition, participating in group exercise programs promotes social interaction and combats feelings of isolation and loneliness.

The services offered by exercise physiologists are aligned with NDIS participant’s goals and foster significant advancements in physical health, wellbeing, and independence. This relevant NDIS support enables participants to meet their personal goals and is critical for the long-term health of a participant’s body.

Many people confuse exercise physiologists with personal trainers, but there are key differences between the two professions. While fitness professionals are skilled in delivering fitness programs, exercise physiologists are trained to recognise and address specific health concerns, such as joint problems and low muscle tone.

ESSA has suggested that the NDIA employ an exercise physiology advisor to educate planners and LACs on the range of therapies and support options available for NDIS participants. This would facilitate a better understanding of this highly relevant allied health service and improve outcomes for NDIS participants by enabling them to identify the most appropriate support for their individual needs.

Strength Building

Exercise Physiologists help participants build strength through personalised programs, allowing them to perform daily tasks with greater ease and independence. They also increase their overall physical fitness, helping them feel better and boost their self-confidence. In addition, the positive mood-elevating effects of exercise promote emotional well-being among participants, combating feelings of loneliness and isolation.

The Improved Health and Wellbeing category of the NDIS includes funding for the services of an Accredited Exercise Physiologist. ESSA recommends that NDIS planners and LACs consider educating themselves on the role, scope of practice, and benefits of AEPs to ensure that participants are receiving the right support.

AEPs are allied health professionals with university degrees, extensive training, and broad skills, and are not to be confused with personal trainers. However, many NDIS participants are under the impression that personal trainers can provide similar services to those offered by AEPs. This can be to the detriment of participants’ functional capacity outcomes as personal trainers do not have the requisite qualifications, skills, or knowledge to determine the allied health needs of a participant.

Allied health professionals, including AEPs, are regulated by the NDIS and must adhere to strict ethical practices and professional standards. Nevertheless, NDIS planners and LACs frequently make decisions that are at odds with the recommendations of qualified allied health professionals in progress reports. It is essential that NDIS planners and LACs receive ongoing education on the role of allied health practitioners, including AEPs, to enhance their ability to deliver high-quality allied health services.

Social Participation

Exercise physiologists provide a crucial social role for people with disabilities. They help them reach their goals in areas such as boosting mental health, improving cognition and memory, and reducing the impact of physical impairments. They also assist with strengthening muscles, enhancing balance, and preventing falls. Their personalised fitness programs are designed to meet each person’s individual needs, age, and level of mobility.

The NDIS imposes accountability and quality standards on providers of disability support services. However, there is no similar requirement for planners whose funding decisions have significant impacts on the lives of NDIS participants. ESSA advocates for NDIA accountability to be extended to planners, which would ensure that their decisions are informed by the expert advice of allied health professionals.

In addition, there are numerous research studies that demonstrate the positive impact of social connection and support on exercise experience and adherence. This is largely due to the rewarding and buffering effects of social presence on the physiological and psychological homeostatic self-regulation mechanisms in exercise.

Ultimately, a lack of understanding by NDIS planners and LACs about the role, scope, and value of allied health supports and the NDIS participant experience is an important contributing factor to poor planning decision-making. ESSA is available to work with NDIA on a program that will educate planners and LACs about the evidence-based benefits of exercise for disability, the role of an exercise physiologist, and its value in their participants’ NDIS plan.

The indispensable role of NDIS exercise physiologists in Collaroy and beyond is evident in their multifaceted contributions to participant well-being. From improving daily living and mobility maintenance to strength building and facilitating social participation, these allied health professionals play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for NDIS participants. However, there remains a pressing need for a broader understanding among NDIS planners and coordinators of their profound benefits. Collaborative efforts and education are essential to ensure that every individual receives the support they need to thrive within the NDIS framework.