These problems may be difficult or impossible to correct. A careful consideration could reveal disease of which the patient is unaware. Nevertheless, the patient perceives the chief complaint as the major problem and, when a comprehensive treatment plan is proposed, special attention should be given to how the patients' chief complaint is to be resolved. The patient may then become frustrated. Treatment Planning - Diagnosis and treatment planning are the cornerstones for the successful accomplishment of a patient's dental and oral treatment needs.
Proper diagnosis is essential for intelligent treatment.
The treatment plan is a logical sequence of treatment in steps designed to restore the patient to good health with optimal function and appearance. It is the College policy that all regular patients will be complete care patients. This means that a person's total dental health needs are taken into consideration rather than only treating a specific problem or patient concern. This approach is called comprehensive dental care. A good treatment plan informs the patient about the present conditions, recommended treatment, alternative treatments, the risks of no treatment, estimated costs, estimated length of time treatment will take, and the level of home care and professional follow-up required to achieve a predictable success.