Lina Jasulaityte has drawn up scripts for her work at Jeugdtandzorg West in The Hague that can be helpful during telephone conversations. “We now need to focus on causal treatment and our relationship with the patient”

Lina says: “Due to the corona pandemic, we have to call many patients to cancel appointments in the practice. I wanted to help colleagues to talk to patients in a structured way, so that a conversation with a patient is more than just canceling the appointment.”

The reactions of both colleagues and patients she speaks to are so positive that she is happy to share the scripts with everyone:

• Motivating conversation on the phone with the parents of (young) children
• IMotivational conversation on the phone with a patient/adolescent

The scripts are just an example, to be used to prepare for the conversation with your patient. Lina: “Motivational Interviewing (MI) is the foundation of Gewoon Gaaf. If you are not yet very experienced with the method of Motivational Interviewing, the scripts can serve as a guideline. You gain insight into the structure of an MI conversation. In the conversations I've been having lately, I notice that the sincere attention makes the difference. I let people realize for themselves what they can do, with respect for autonomy. The parents/patients will decide for themselves what is important and feasible for them in this difficult situation to achieve oral health. Hearing confirmation about what is already going well gives confidence. Stimulate targeted open questions and reflections to set new goals.
Sometimes I also give short instructions, with permission, for example if new molars come through or patients or the parents think they see a cavity. I tell them that caries can stop even after cavitation by brushing well with fluoride toothpaste and then send a brushing instruction folder. Instruction via video calls is also possible. You notice that you can mean a lot to your patients in this way. Positive attention makes everyone happy, both patients and caregivers.

Lina notes that this time also offers opportunities: “These telephone consultations are an ideal opportunity to practice your conversation techniques. We can't duck the mouth right now. That is why we now have to focus on causal treatment (behavioral change, as the basis of NRC and NOCTP) and our relationship with the patient. The response from patients has been so positive that I look forward to speaking to more of my patients in this way!”

There are now more and more practices that make appointments with patients via telephone or video calls. Do you want to share your experiences / or opinion about remote consultation? Comment on our article via Facebook.