How should a dental Case Report present clinical findings so a layperson can actually understand them?
In plain, jargon-free language that translates every technical concept into terms a non-dental adult can absorb. The objective-findings section summarizes what the doctor discovered during the CDP, but written for the patient, not for a peer reviewer. Periodontal pockets become explanations of how the gums hold the teeth and what happens when that grip loosens. Bone loss becomes a description of the foundation under the teeth and what happens when it erodes. Occlusal interferences become a description of how teeth meet during chewing and what happens when the meeting is off. Each clinical concept gets translated into everyday language paired with the annotated photographs that show what is being described. The first few times the doctor writes this section it takes real effort, since simplifying dental language is a muscle most dentists have not trained. Having a non-dental friend read the early drafts and flag confusing passages helps. Once the language is right, the same patterns can be reused across similar cases.
If the answers you are finding here resonate with you, my team and I work with a small group of clients each year. The next step is a complimentary Discovery Consultation and Practice Review with Dr. McAnally.
