MASLOW HIERARCHY OF NEEDS

• April 1, 1908-- June 8, 1970
• Was diagnosed as "mentally unstable" in childhood
• Created Maslow's Hierarchy Of Needs

Untitled Slide

WAYS MASLOW'S HIERARCHY RELATES TO DENTISTRY

CHILD

• A scared child might not interact if he or she feels unsafe
• Feeling secure helps the child be more open and more responsive

ADULT

• A way an adult might feel insecure is they may have a chipped tooth or missing teeth
• This has a lot to do with their social life because they will be embarrassed to talk or smile

WAYS TO COMFORT CHILD

• Make the child smile
• Let them know everything will be ok
• Make them laugh and feel safe with you
• Have them hold a teddy or their favorite toy

HOW TO MAKE AN ADULT FEEL SECURE

• Explain to the patient what is wrong
• Also show them where they need the work done
• Let them look at the x-Ray as well so they can feel closer and know that it's not major

HOW IT ALL COMES TOGETHER

• So as a patient you would want to feel secure in order to be social
• A child who feels safe will be more interactive with the assistant or dentist
• As the same for an adult if he or she knows more about the procedure will open up and feel more confident about what's going to happen
• All patients want to feel comfortable and safe while in the dental office and it is our job as an assistant or dentist to have our patients be taken care of