Evaluating psychosocial functioning in dental patients

In order to make a reliable diagnosis and offer appropriate treatment, it is important that the dentist is aware of the role played by psychosocial factors in the origin and persistence of dental problems and has the ability to recognise their importance in the patient's overall presentation. This paper is an attempt to improve dentist's awareness of psychosocial issues and recognition of possible psychological problems in general dental practice. It focuses on directions for the gathering of information on patients through careful assessment prior to dental examination, covering patients biological or physical history and present symptoms, their social background, their psychological history and mental functioning, and the observation of their behaviour and mood. It is argued that interpreting these types of information will enable the dentist to be better prepared for any pitfalls that may arise in the course of treatment.