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PART III

CHAPTER XXIX.

EXAMINATION OF THE MOUTH LOOKING TO
DENTAL SERVI(n^:S
The First Duty of a dentist to one presenting himself for dental
services is to comply with the patient's request, Avhich is generally
to examine a special tooth or a diseased condition of which the
patient is aware. If the patient does not make such a special re-
quest it is well to ask some form of a leading question as to the
reason of the call. This fact elicited, all else should be ignored
until the object of the first visit has been accomplished.
A Light Hand and Slow Movements are very essential for the first
few moments, especially at the first meeting of patient and dentist,
as first impressions are often lasting and if the stranger is ap-
proached in a careless manner he may get ideas of undue rough-
ness, many times unfounded, yet, nevertheless, lasting with the
nervous patient.
The Washing' of the Hands in the patient's presence or in run-
ning water within hearing of the patient should be universally
practiced no matter if the operator knows his hands to be already
scrupulously clean, as it assures the patient that the operator has
a regard for at least the simpler forms of cleanliness.
The Linen Upon the Chair should be inviting and unsoiled. If
convenient, it is Avell that the patient see that which is already on
the chair changed for fresh.
Few Instruments should be in sight, as they serve to remind the
patient of former experiences not always pleasant.
After the First Requests of the patient have been complied with
it is well to take a rather general survey of the mouth before an-
swering many questions regarding the advice to the patient as to
future procedures. The operator should note in this "bird's-eye
view," as it were, the probable care that is being bestowed upon
the teeth and mouth in a prophylactic way. Also the health of the
soft tissues, the number of extracted teeth, the presence of den-
tures and amount of dental work previously done, noting its qual-
ity and probable age, as well as the number of badly decayed teeth
yet unfilled. He should note the health of the patient, probable
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