Dental patient advice: Help for vulnerable groups in Berlin
Dental patient advice: Help for vulnerable groups in Berlin
In the hectic world of dentistry, there is a group of patients who deserve special attention. The 6th Report of Dental Patient Consulting, published by the National Association of Statutory Dentists (KZBV) and the Federal Dentistry Association (BZÄK), gives us a deep insight into the challenges that vulnerable patients have to face. These people are often affected by language barriers or cognitive restrictions, which makes it all the more difficult to clarify about dental treatments.
dr. Ute Maier, deputy chairman of the KZBV, sums it up: "Vulnerable patient groups sometimes need special treatment offers or you have to overcome special hurdles in the supply." These words are an urgent appeal for the need for individual solutions that meet the growing needs of these patient groups.
challenges and support
The report states that around 64,000 people nationwide visited the dental patient advice centers nationwide in 2022 and 2023 nationwide. An overwhelming majority of 56 percent of inquiries revolved around costs and rights in dental treatments. This shows that people have questions and need answers!
dr. Romy Ermler, Vice President of the BZÄK, emphasizes: "A trusting dentist-patient relationship is essential." Empathic care is irreplaceable, especially for people with special needs. You have needs that urgently need to be taken into account in the treatment. The report provides valuable knowledge that the dentist will help to better recognize and address these needs.
The way to more accessibility
Another central concern is the targeted support of the consultants in order to prepare them for challenging consulting situations. Because working with vulnerable patients is also a daily challenge for the consultants. Here it is crucial to overcome supply barriers in the health system so that every access to dental care has access.
The dentist has already taken positive steps in this direction, but it is clear that political support and financial means are necessary to make real progress. The Federal Ministry of Health Action Plan for a Diverse and Barrier -free healthcare system could be the key to reducing further hurdles.
The current report and further information are available on the website of the KZBV and BZäk as well as at www.patientberatung-der-zahnaerzt.de. Interested parties will not only find the contact details of the advice centers, but also the opportunity to download the report free of charge.