As a dentist who learned to modify splints from my physical therapist colleague, I hope these suggestions will pave the way to a smooth working relationship.<\/p>\n
1.<\/strong>\u00a0Lead with what you need.\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0Once you have diagnosed your patient to need an oral\u00a0appliance\u00a0to control her body, be direct and make that point first. “I have been seeing Sally for her ongoing neck pain,\u00a0and have determined that a dental intervention is needed. I’d like to prescribe a flat plane splint to reduce cervicalgia.” See where that conversation takes you – the word “prescribe” is authoritative without being offensive, and may actually help the dentist not to feel overwhelmed with the responsibility for figuring out what you already know.<\/p>\n 2. Develop your relationship\u00a0with the end in mind.<\/strong>\u00a0If what you want is to establish a mutually respectful relationship, where each party is open minded about the new learning needed to work for the patient’s highest good, then work in your initial conversation to build up the value the patient already has in her dentist — particularly if you get pushback on your recommendation. \u00a0“I understand your reservations. I will say, that when I have done this collaborative work with other dentists, this approach has been very successful. \u00a0Sally shared with me your longstanding history with you, and I admire the trust she has placed in you. Do you think you could help us?”<\/p>\n