COMMUNITY DENTISTRY IN PRIVATE PRACTICE

	This is the most neglected aspect of any private practice in our country 
today.The dentist and the staff must realise that to get more patients and to sustain

the patients who are already there,it is necessary to develop a good rapport with 
the patient and also have an excellent communication with him ,both ,at a 
professional and personal level.A positive attitude with a general interest in the 
patient's, as well as the community's welfare is essential.All activities of the 
dentist outside his four walls add to the status of the practice (or degrade the 
practice) depending on the nature of the activity.The dentist has to concentrate on 
the individual patient,family,the group and also the community as a whole.Some 
of the steps that need to be implemented are mentioned below:

1. Thorough examination and assessment of all patients, including physical status;  
health history;       full hard  and soft tissue examination of the mouth, face, and  
neck; radiographic survey; occlusal evaluation with mounted study casts; biopsies  
of non resolving soft tissue lesion ;caries activity assessments; and assessment of  
periodontal disease activity

2. Regular thorough recall examination, oral prophylaxis, and oral hygiene instruction 
for all   patients of record

3. Early treatment of oral and dental lesion, placement of properly contoured 
restorations, and   replacement of missing teeth 

4. Topical and systemic regimens for prevention of caries and periodontal disease

5. Interceptive orthodontic procedures when indicated

6. Timely referral to both dental and medical specialists when indicated

7.Appropriate medication when necessary and ensuring patient compliance to the 
prescribed regime.Avoid indiscriminate use of all drugs esp. antibiotics.

8.Infectious disease and bio-hazard safety measures.

9.Recommending change of habits and dietary life styles on a community basis.