title: Psychological assessment of the prosthodontic patient before treatment.
abstract: Treating the patient requiring a prosthesis is one of the most challenging and demanding aspects of dentistry. Assessing and coping with the psyche of a patient is extremely complex. We must remember the adage , "Never treat a stranger," Ramsey states: "Prior to planning treatment, the dentist should realize three objectives: (1) An understanding of the biologic and mechanical aspects of the patient's problem, (2) an insight into the general mental and physical health of the patient, and (3) an awareness of specific emotional problems which may relate to the dental situation.
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003142:Communication; D003729:Dental Care / Q000523:psychology; D003812:Dentist-Patient Relations; D003778:Dentures; D006801:Humans; D007575:Jaw, Edentulous / Q000523:psychology*; D012649:Self Concept