Using the DISC system to motivate dental patients

[Anonymous]

Unmotivated patients are a significant challenge for dentists, and coping with uncooperative patients also may be a source of stress for dentists.Strategies developed by behavioral scientists and human resource professionals may help to alleviate some of these problems.

The premise of the DISC system is that people have distinct and recognizable behavioral styles that influence how they interact with their environment.

According to the DISC system, which was developed by William Moulton Marston,People may be classified as having a “dominant” (D), “influencing” (I), “steady” (S) or “cautious” (C) behavioral style. Dentists and dental team members who learn to recognize patients’ DISC behavioral styles and tailor messages to those styles may have greater success in motivating patients to accept treatment plans and adopt behaviors that are beneficial for their oral health, such as stopping the use of tobacco or increasing the frequency of oral hygiene practices.

        

[Anonymous]

In its modern form, DISC dates back to the 1920’s. Aspects of the system date back far further than this, however, to ancient Greek times and perhaps further.

The DISC system rests on two fundamental ‘axes’ of a person’s behaviour, Assertiveness/Receptiveness and Openness/Control.

Once the two axes have been defined, they can be developed into the more sophisticated DISC profiling technique.

The theoretical basis of the DISC system makes it possible to use different techniques to assess individual behavioural styles.

        

[Anonymous]

to identify a persons psychological profile must also be taught to the auxiliary staff especially the receptionist. the receptionist is the one who interacts with the person the most.

        

[Author]

Posts