Got TMJ?? (Part II) Disease-Centered vs. Health-Centered Practice

Before we get too deep into this subject of TMD, it would seem appropriate to have a philosophical discussion about different practice models.  There seems to be two distinct dental camps these days:  Disease-centered vs. Health-centered.

Disease-centered dentistry is designed to diagnose, treat, and cure disease wherever it is found.  Its overall objective is to stamp out oral disease for the benefit of mankind.  Disease-centered dentistry is essentially something someone does to someone else, either through active therapy or through education of the patient.  The doctor and staff are in charge.  The patient is the passive or active recipient of the service.

Health-centered dentistry, on the other hand, is largely a behavioral science in which the locus of control is transferred from the dentist and the staff to the only person who can achieve a higher level of wellness–the client.  The client is empowered to become an active participant in achieving a preferred future.  As the client assumes greater responsibility for his/her destiny, he/she becomes more of an active client than a passive patient.  The doctor and staff members function more as consultants than as therapists.  The health-centered practice is in the decision-making business, since each client is seeking to make important decisions on his/her behalf.

Does this resonate?  It seems to me that rapid advances in technology have virtually eliminated the idea of health-centered practice by circumventing the patient’s latent sense of responsibility.  Am I being a pollyanna to think that many people in their heart of hearts would rather be “collaborated with” than “done to” regarding their dental health?  Or, their health in general??

Something to think about!!

Comments???