Patient education

The quality of any relationship depends on the quality of the communication between the participating parties, and the necessary trust between dentist and patient to ensure a successful treatment outcome cannot be garnered without the establishment of a mutual understanding.

To win the trust of the patient, particularly when the patient is nervous, or perhaps teetering on the edge of refusing to accept an important procedure, the dentist must first demonstrate a frank empathy with the subject before offering sympathetic encouragement. Whilst explanations should always be professionally expressed, patients should not be 'blinded with science' and children, even those apparently determined to show no fear, need special consideration.

Communication skills are at the heart of successful practice and comprise one of the major competencies assessed during foundation level dentistry training. Patient education is generally regarded as a combination of explanation and motivation, and these two elements apply whether the situation involves a complex procedure or a simple exhortation to the patient to adopt a more effective oral health regime. With the widespread public disavowal, or ignorance, of the importance of even basic daily interdental brushing, all dentists have a clear responsibility to raise their game in this area.