Oral care should be simple and achievable, says dentist

In an era where dental science is constantly evolving with advanced tools and refined techniques, the real challenge often lies not in technology but in communication. For Dr Srishty Jolly, a young dentist practicing in Hoshiarpur, the journey of treating patients has been as much about understanding people as it has been about treating teeth.

Speaking about her daily experiences, Dr Jolly says the gap in oral health awareness at the grassroots level is wider than many professionals imagine. "In many villages, people genuinely believe that oral health is something that will be taken care of by God. They feel that whatever happens to their teeth is natural and unavoidable," she explains. "Instead of being discouraged by this belief, I see it as my responsibility to bridge that gap."

From introducing patients to the very concept of a toothbrush to later explaining the use of water flossers and advanced cleaning aids, Dr Jolly encounters dramatically different levels of awareness, sometimes within the same day. "There are patients who don't know how to brush properly and then there are those who are already disciplined and want to refine their routine further. As dentists, we must acknowledge that this gap is real."

Dr Jolly strongly empathises with patients who admit that they cannot always follow the 'ideal' oral hygiene practices recommended in textbooks. "Many people tell me honestly that in their busy lives, brushing for the recommended time, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist regularly feels unrealistic. I understand that. Dentistry cannot exist in isolation from real life."

At the same time, she also treats patients who are motivated and ready to adopt more sophisticated oral care practices. "Some patients are eager to learn better techniques like the modified Bass method or switch to electric brushes. The key is to recognise which patient is ready for what."

Drawing a parallel with lifestyle changes, Dr Jolly says, "You can't tell an obese person to suddenly adopt a perfect diet. You gradually blend healthier habits into their existing routine. Oral health education should work the same way." Explaining complex brushing techniques immediately to someone who has just undergone scaling but still uses tobacco daily may not be effective. "For those struggling with basics, we must first make oral care simple and achievable."

According to her, dental consultations in India cannot follow a uniform script. A patient's financial resources, educational background, previous dental experiences, fears, and even their emotional relationship with their body influence how they receive advice. "You simply cannot interact with every patient at the same level. Instructions must be customised."

For Dr Jolly, post-treatment guidance is not a routine ritual but a conscious responsibility. "It should not be about giving instructions just because it is expected. It should come from a place where you truly believe you are offering the right advice to the right person."

She believes that empathy is as essential as clinical expertise. "Take those extra few minutes. Make sure the patient understands. When advice is personalised and delivered with intention, it creates real change."

In small-town settings like Hoshiarpur, where tradition and modern healthcare intersect daily, Dr Srishty Jolly's approach sends a clear message: in dentistry, as in life, free size is simply not available.