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E80: Addressing Questions About Safety in Patients Homes

Writer's picture: Ashleigh RobinsonAshleigh Robinson



Today, I find myself at home, nursing a bit of illness, so I'm taking this opportunity to share some thoughts with you. If my voice sounds a bit different, that's the reason. I want to revisit a topic we've touched on before in this space—it's one that more and more people are asking about lately—feeling safe while providing dental services in a patient's home.


Addressing Safety Concerns in House Call Dental Services

Many frequently ask if I feel safe entering someone’s home or they express concerns about the risks involved. Previously, I offered practical safety tips like hiring an assistant, keeping your phone close, strategically positioning yourself in a room, or even practicing martial arts.

However, today, I want to focus less on the tactics and more on the mindset. In almost four years of conducting house calls, I have never encountered a true safety concern. While it’s vital to avoid being reckless, my intention is to help you feel at ease with the prospects of house-call dentistry.


Factors Contributing to Comfort in House Call Dentistry


Personal Experience

Firstly, speaking from personal experience, I have never felt unsafe during a house call. Certain individuals naturally feel more comfortable to be around, but I’ve never experienced that "fight or flight" instinct, which speaks volumes about the environments I've entered.


Patient Vetting and Scheduling

To further mitigate any potential safety risk, my practice employs several key strategies. We discourage individuals from casually scheduling by collecting a significant deposit before the first visit. Our clientele typically comprises individuals who genuinely need our services, not those seeking unnecessary appointments.


Also, if a patient can physically get to a dental office, we recommend it. This ensures that those we serve through house calls are typically the most in need and ensure that visits are genuinely warranted.


Trusted Referrals

Another comfort factor is our reliance on word-of-mouth referrals. In fact, the majority of our patients come through recommendations by other healthcare providers. This rapport with other caregivers signifies that the person needing dental care has already been safely treated in a home setting.


Comparing House-Call Dentistry with Other Home Service Providers

Let’s not forget the wide array of professionals who enter homes daily. From delivery personnel to maintenance workers, countless others operate safely in residential settings without the autonomy and precautionary protocols we can enforce as practice owners.

Over the past year, my husband Chris and I have had various individuals work in and around our home—none of whom qualified for their visits beforehand. Many of these professionals perform their duties alone, entering the homes of strangers, yet do so without incident.


Final Thoughts on House Call Dentistry

Remember, working in people’s homes is not a novel concept. It's a practice enduring centuries, traditionally without problems. I encourage you not to let fear deter you from considering house-call dentistry, as it's an invaluable service for those who truly need it.

Ultimately, you steer your professional path. You decide where to work, whom to service, and what risks to accept. House-call dentistry isn't for everyone, but for those willing, it's rewarding. It offers the opportunity to make a significant, life-changing difference for your patients, often when they need it most.


Thank you for joining this conversation today. Should you consider a career in house-call dentistry, I genuinely appreciate your courage and commitment to aiding those who rely on this vital service.




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Reach Dr. Ashleigh Robinson at hello@residentalmovement.com

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