Patients that "Can't" Lay Flat
How do you deal with patients insisting they can't lay in the dental chair because of their back?
To be clear, I am not referring to severely physically handicapped individuals in wheelchairs. I am referring to the middle-age and senior patients that still kindly tell you about everything they are planning on doing this weekend that will involve bending and stretching - activities with children, projects around the house, yard work, dancing, etc. Yet, they immediately raise their voice and state they can't lay that far back the second the chair goes past 45 degrees...
For years I went along with it, no questions asked. My posture suffers but the patient is happy. Whether it's my own age catching up with me or perception that more patients than ever say this sort of thing, I'm tired of it. 99% of these people sit in recliners at home and sleep flat. Obviously, quality and thoroughness of care tends to inadvertently suffer. Any dentists or hygienists that refer these patients elsewhere or refuse further care?