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Every veterinary practice should try this one human dentist trick
Dr. Robin Downing was one of (if not the) first person in the veterinary world to note that human dentists were doing one thing very, very right. What is it, and how can it help pets in pain?
Robin Downing, DVM, MS, DAAPM, DACVSMR, CVPP, CCRP, has given A LOT of talks over the years. But one presentation in particular is still on her mind-a 2003 session she gave on client compliance.
13 years ago Dr. Downing told that audience that it's absolutely essential for veterinarians and veterinary teams to embrace their responsibility to decide when a patient needs to be reevaluated.
As someone who has dedicated her career to advocating for pets in pain, Dr. Downing knows that getting clients on board with a serious recheck regimen is key. But there's that little thing called life that kinda gets in the way, right? It difficult to make sure every pet is getting the follow-up care they need when you can't get the client to bring Toby in for a visit.
Here's where human dentists come in. Listen in as Dr. Downing explains:
A final takeaway
If nothing else, take away the following from Dr. Downing:
Because pain can be adaptive or maladaptive, be mindful of the 3 Rs:
Recheck: Look at your patient again (and again). Make sure your team schedules rechecks before the client pays for their current visit.
Reassess: Take into account anything that may have changed since your last check.
Revise: Alter the pain management cocktail to meet the patient's current needs, and titrate the medications down as the patient heals.
Dr. Downing believes pets deserve a reevaluation if they need it-does your team, too?
