Resumen

ROJAS ALCAYAGA, G  y  MISRACHI LAUNERT, C. The dentist-patient interaction and the psychological meaning of the mouth. Av Odontoestomatol [online]. 2004, vol.20, n.5, pp.239-245. ISSN 2340-3152.

The mouth is not only a part of the physical body, but also a part of the body image present at the psychicallevel. In relation to others parts of the body, the mouth has a unique psychological meaning. Feelings represented in the mouth are closely bonded to the self identity, beca use of the primary experiences transmitted by this part of the body. The dentist must consider these concepts while retreating to this patient, so as to succeed in a adequate therapeutic alliance. This relation will become stronger by means of considering the patient as an independent person who has certain baggage of knowledge and capacity over his/her oral health. All this is complement with a series of procedures to help diminish the patient's anxiety produced every time that he/she attains dental practice.

Palabras clave : Dentist-patient interaction; stress in dentistry; dental anxiety; behavioral dental science.

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