I'm lucky in that I'm a volunteer...sure, I work 40hrs/wk but I can always have a soldier DA take care of stuff if I want to sit and chat with a patient for a while when they're waiting on the doctor to arrive/waiting on a crown to be made/whatever. They get paid - I don't.

I have already had patients come back for a return visit and tell me that they looked up the videos on youtube I suggested about brushing and flossing properly and they've been trying to learn. I remember names and faces really well, mostly because I talk to them about where they're from and things they like in addition to hygiene tips. They remember me too because, again, I actually get to sit and talk with them for a while.

But even with all of that, when the dentist explains the work that she needs to do and what problems they have, they do not seem to recall what was said. I used to experience this myself with my dentist in the states when I first sought treatment. I was so friggin nervous that everything went in one ear and out the other.

After we verify their name and date of birth, we ask the patient if they know what they're here for today. Most people don't know, even if their last visit was two days ago. Even the ones who I've spent time talking to can't seem to remember what work they need done. It's so bad that I get impressed when someone says "...fillings, I think???" when I ask that question.

If these people can remember my face, my name, my home state, and conversations about food...why can't they remember what the doctor said to them? How can I help them retain that information?