Final answer:
It's not best to schedule long appointments for apprehensive patients due to potential increased anxiety. Instead, scheduling appointments in the morning is recommended to utilize the patient's rested state and reduce wait times.
Step-by-step explanation:
Regarding the scheduling of appointments for apprehensive patients, it's critical to balance their emotional comfort with the need for effective treatment. The first statement suggests scheduling long appointments for apprehensive patients to complete as much work as possible in one go. This is not necessarily the best practice, as it may intensify anxiety and reduce the patient's ability to cope with a long session. It could lead to greater stress and a potentially negative experience, which might deter the patient from future visits.
On the other hand, the second statement that recommends scheduling these appointments in the morning is indeed a best practice. This timing takes advantage of the patient's rested state and potentially lower levels of anxiety upon waking. Mornings can also be beneficial because the dental practice is less likely to be behind schedule, thus reducing wait times and stress for the patient. This aligns with common evidence-based strategies aiming to create the best possible environment for patient care.