The Three A’s of Excellent Oral Surgeons

All patients may have a vision of their ideal surgeon: Experienced, understanding, professional, kind, maybe even funny or communicative. Most of us know the sort of person with whom we’re comfortable and who we trust, and we can draw the distinction when we interact with an individual with whom we simply don’t gel.

What about a surgeon’s ideal of a surgeon? Does your oral surgeon have a “poster child” whom he or she strives to be? Knowing your specialist’s inspiration is one interesting way to understand how your surgeon operates (no pun intended).

For Dr. Jan Kooning here at Beaverton Oral Surgeons, he learned early in his career that the best oral surgeons abide by a strict but simple code. He calls it the three A’s: Availability, affability, and ability. In that order.

Availability

The single most important attribute of the best oral surgeon is availability. This carries more weight than simply showing up on time every Monday through Friday. For Dr. Kooning, this means putting the needs of the patient at the pinnacle of his scheduling process.

A surgeon’s hours ought not to be defined within an eight hour window. Dr. Kooning believes the best oral surgeon will come early and stay late if it means providing the best possible care.

A patient who calls into an oral surgeon’s office with complaints of extreme discomfort should not be directed to make an appointment online, or told the doctor won’t be able to see them until Monday. That not only puts the patient in an extremely troubling spot physically, but also diminishes the trust between patient and practitioner. If your comfort isn’t at the forefront of an oral surgeon’s agenda, it may be time to switch.

Affability

If we could guess, no one really enjoys surgery. Trust us, we know. We want to get you in and out quickly too, as long as we have the time to do our jobs right. That said, because we know you have to be here anyway, we would at least like to make your time with us enjoyable. For Dr. Kooning, that means being personable and kind.

Surgeons have a tough job, and it’s not aided by the fact that most people foster some fear towards them. The best oral surgeons then work extra hard to ensure they are amiable and good-natured, especially around their most sensitive patients.

Ability

An oral surgeon’s technical proficiency is important, that’s undeniable. The best oral surgeons are skilled in a myriad of methods and procedures. Considering just how much schooling and training an oral surgeon has undergone prior to opening their own practice, a patient should rightfully have high expectations for their surgeon’s ability.

However, ability will always come third to availability and affability. Since all oral surgeons go through the same training, there likely aren’t substantial differences in how well they operate. What does make the difference, however, is how attentive they are to their patients. How willing they are to adjust their schedule to fit in one more patient at the end of the day, or how quickly they can make a joke to make a young patient laugh.

At Beaverton Oral Surgeons we try to personify the three A’s in everything do. With doctors like Dr. Kooning helping to shape our ethos, we always hope to provide you with the best care in the industry. Making an appointment is quick and easy, and we’ll be sure to follow along with your treatment every step of the way. Feel free to reach us at (503) 646-7101.