Nobody enjoys a hospital stay, much less the annual visit to the dentist, but this is a reality we all must face. It's enough that a root canal, a child's immunization, a Pap smear, or a blood test gives us discomfort, but coming face-to-face with unfeeling, poker-faced medical specialists makes the visit even worse.

Medical practitioners can certainly do better, starting with improving their relationships with patients and their families. The medical community can use a range of promotional products tailored to put its message across efficiently and clearly.

Here are some custom giveaways for medical practitioners:

- Promotional record book products that contain a patient's vital statistics, prescriptions, dietary orders, and physician's emergency numbers ensure that everything a patient needs is in one place.

- Crossword puzzles for adults and small toys for children can help entertain patients and their families while waiting for their appointments. Medical practitioners must have these products readily available in the waiting areas of clinics and hospitals.

- Treats for tots on their first dental appointment. A visit to the dentist can be traumatic for a child who may be overwhelmed by the strange tools he sees. A good dentist will know how to distract him with fun giveaways before a medical procedure.

- Promotional measuring products such as spoons and cups take away the danger of overdosing and ensure that patients only take medication in prescribed amounts.

- For family members who might have to spend the night in a medical facility, promotional products such as personal care essentials ensure that they remain fresh and well groomed. Fill these cosmetic bags with custom toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, shampoo, and mini soap.

- Light reading material can help distract patients who may be waiting for the results of important medical tests. The waiting in itself can make one jittery, so reading funny stories and anecdotes can make it bearable.

It takes time for trust to build between doctor and patient, but small gestures like those mentioned earlier bring a more personal dimension to medical specialists and will eventually change the public's impression of the industry.