After 25 years of clinical practice, one truth has become very clear to me: Great healthcare is a partnership.
We often talk about how doctors, dentists, and clinics can improve, but we rarely ask the other side of the equation: What does it mean to be a great patient?
This isn’t about blame – it’s about recognising that the doctor-patient relationship works best when both sides contribute. When each person understands their role, care becomes smoother, trust grows faster, and outcomes improve.
My Ikigai in Dentistry
Not long ago, I revisited the Japanese philosophy of ikigai – the idea of finding purpose and balance in life. For me, dentistry has never been about simply running a profitable clinic. My purpose – my ikigai – is creating an environment where stress is low, trust is high, and the work we do truly changes lives.
That means making sure my team and I bring the best version of ourselves to every appointment. But it also means helping patients understand how much their own approach can influence their care.
The Science Behind It
This isn’t just my opinion. A 2014 meta-analysis in PLOS ONE reviewed 13 randomised controlled trials and found that a positive, trusting patient-clinician relationship measurably improves health outcomes – especially in chronic and complex cases.
In other words: kindness, openness, and collaboration aren’t just nice to have – they’re part of the treatment.
Patients Are Not All the Same
Patients come from all walks of life, and those differences affect care in real ways:
- Wealthy vs. financially strained
- Educated vs. misinformed
- Open-minded vs. resistant
- Healthy vs. chronically ill
- Calm vs. anxious
- Local vs. long-distance
- Polite vs. rude
- Transparent vs. evasive
- Respectful vs. entitled
- Trusting vs. no trust
These aren’t value judgments – they’re realities. The way a patient communicates, listens, and participates can make treatment either collaborative and smooth… or tense and difficult.
And this has nothing to do with the challenges that the clinical case itself might present. Some cases might be easy for the doctor to resolve, but due to the complex character of the patient the case becomes immediately more difficult.
A polite, punctual, honest patient who trusts the process will almost always have a better experience, even if the clinic case is more challenging — not because they’re favoured, but because good communication creates better care.
Why Fit Matters
In private practice, not every patient is the right fit for every clinic. That’s not about arrogance; it’s about protecting the environment that allows care to flourish.
Healthcare is not a fast-food counter. It’s a partnership built on trust, respect, and mutual responsibility. And just as patients can choose their doctor, doctors also have a responsibility to choose the patients they can best serve.
Ten Tips for Your First Appointment
If you want to make the most of your care, these suggestions can help:
1. See the first appointment as a conversation, not a transaction.
It’s about understanding your needs and building trust, not just getting a price.
2. Avoid asking for detailed pricing over the phone.
Every case is different – cost depends on complexity, time, and risk.
3. Bring your records to the appointment rather than sending long emails in advance.
Context matters, and we can discuss them properly face-to-face.
4. Be open about any medical or psychological conditions.
We can only adapt treatment if we know what you’re dealing with.
5. Stay open-minded during the consultation.
Medicine evolves constantly – what you read online might already be outdated.
6. Leave past frustrations at the door.
If you’ve had bad experiences before, let’s start fresh.
7. Don’t open with criticism of another healthcare provider.
We want to focus on your needs, not on judging someone else’s work.
8. Learn a little about your doctor before you come.
Reading a short biography or CV is a sign of respect for the person who will be treating you. Also try to learn about the clinic or hospital and its track record and values.
9. Speak for yourself if you are an adult.
Having a partner or family member present is fine, but your voice and choices should lead the discussion unless there’s a medical reason otherwise.
10. Avoid comparing us to another doctor’s price or promises.
If you trust another provider more, choose them – but if you’re here, let’s focus on your treatment plan.
Also, whenever possible, avoid bringing large groups to your appointment. We understand that childcare can be challenging, but arriving with multiple children or family members can create unnecessary distractions and stress for both the clinical team and other patients. When it’s not possible, and you have to bring extra family members for support, call ahead, and let people know.
Likewise, please be mindful of strong scents – such as heavy perfume or lingering tobacco smoke – and also take care with your personal hygiene. Dental and medical care requires close contact, and a fresh, neutral presence helps ensure a more comfortable experience for everyone.
Ultimately, the goal is to create an environment where your doctor and the team are fully focused on you, and genuinely look forward to welcoming you back.
Shared Responsibility
Great healthcare doesn’t happen in isolation. Your doctor can bring skill, technology, and years of experience – but the energy you bring into the room matters too.
When both patient and provider show up prepared, respectful, and willing to collaborate, the relationship becomes a true partnership. And that’s when outcomes – for both sides – are at their very best.
If you’re looking for better care, bring your best self with you. We’ll do the same.
*Originally published on LinkedIn.