Fundamentally, communication determines the success or failure of any team.
Within a dental practice everyone will be familiar with the notion of
teamwork but to operate effectively and cohesively together they must be able to communicate openly and to listen to others carefully.
To achieve a clear understanding of goals and requirements asking questions rather than making assumptions helps to eliminate any confusion. This also builds trust and harmony within the team; when effective communication is achieved the working environment is more favourable and successful for both
professionals and patients. As the GDC Standards for the Dental Team Principle 6.1 states: “You must: Work effectively with your colleagues and contribute to good teamwork.”
Communication supports every aspect of patient care from diagnosis though to explaining treatment options and procedures. It is vital that information is communicated clearly and at a pace that allows patients to process and fully understand what is involved.
As we know the success of a dental practice depends on all team members carrying out their role proficiently. Essential communication skills allow individual expertise to be combined to achieve the best possible outcome for each patient. For example, when a patient enquires about treatment it is important that both clinicians and reception staff are able to establish their needs to explain the services available with clarity. Similarly practitioners must be able to convey information and communicate successfully with other team members for the on-going treatment and preventative care of their patients.
It could be assumed that speakingn is the most effective way of communicating. However according to research, the spoken word in face to face communication only represent seven per cent of what we understand and interpret. The remaining 93 per cent of communication is via ‘secret messages’ or non-verbal actions and behaviour such as body language, facial expressions, tone of voice and not just the specific meaning of words. Therefore dental professionals need to be mindful of all aspects of communication and carefully listen and watch for additional unspoken nuances. Any breakdown can lead to patient dissatisfaction or a misunderstanding within the team.
When individuals work together for some time it is not always necessary to communicate verbally, an action or expression can be just as effective. This can be advantageous within the surgery as it can reduce patient anxiety and improve the pace and progression of treatment.
Of course every role within the practice is fundamental for any successful dental treatment. When it is possible to rely on professional help with minimal instruction, the dentist is able to focus entirely on their patient. Additionally when carrying out minute, precise procedures within the oral cavity practitioners need fully functioning technology and quality products that require the least amount of adjustment or preparation for ease of use.
Advancements in technology and equipment enable the dental team to carry out their work more effectively, through providing enhanced communication and a more efficient workflow. For instance, previously when practitioners needed to manage gingival tissue before making an impression, it was necessary to use bottled retraction cord. This would involve measuring the cord to the appropriate length, cutting it with sterile scissors and soaking before placing it in position. If at any point the cord became tangled or fell on the floor this entire task would have to be started again. With ShortCut Gingibraid, from Dux Dental, this is no longer the case. It is an all-in-one dispenser for retraction cord. It is convenient, efficient and hygienic, it fits easily in the hand and incorporates a built in cutter. A rotary mechanism dispenses the same amount of retraction cord every time; a simple ‘click’ delivers 1cm of cord; 3-4 clicks for anterior and 4-5 clicks for posterior. This useful audible method eases communication between the dentist and assistant when the need for cord arises during a procedure. The sound of the clicks ensures that all team members involved are aware of the progression or stage of treatment.
When dental professionals use their time effectively and the communication
throughout the team is open and helpful, there is less stress throughout the entire practice. Thus the patient benefits from a relaxed atmosphere and an enhanced experience. Effective teamwork along side the utilisation of the latest technical advancements enhances the environment in a positive way and increases productivity and success.