An Overview of Dentist–Patient Communication in Quality Dental Care
Abstract
:1. Introduction
2. Literature Search
3. Benefits of Dentist–Patient Communication
3.1. Improve Diagnostic Efficiency and Accuracy
3.2. Boost Dentists’ Confidence
3.3. Reduce Dentists’ Occupational Stress
3.4. Minimize Risk of Complaint and Litigation Against Dentists
3.5. Establish Trust in Dentists and Patients
3.6. Alleviate Dental Anxiety and Fear
3.7. Address Patients’ Needs and Preferences
3.8. Improve Patients’ Adherence and Treatment Outcomes
3.9. Enhance Patient Satisfaction
4. Challenges of Dentist–Patient Communication
4.1. Time Constraints
4.2. Limited Health Literacy of Patients
4.3. Inadequate Communication Skills of Dentists
4.4. Dentists’ Perceptions
4.5. Language Barriers
4.6. Cultural Difference
4.7. Failure in Establishing Rapport
5. Strategies of Dentist–Patient Communication
6. Communication Training in the Dental Curriculum
- Open-ended questioning—Differing from the closed questions, open-ended questions enable patients to reflect and give more detailed, comprehensive responses. Initiating conversations with phrases such as “how,” “what,” or “describe” encourages patients to take the lead in the dialog.
- Affirmations—Genuine affirmations play a pivotal role in fostering a stronger rapport with patients. These affirmations, conveyed through both verbal statements and non-verbal cues, assist patients in recognizing their strengths and acknowledging behaviors that contribute to positive changes, irrespective of their magnitude.
- Reflective listening—Similarly to active listening, reflective listening signifies that the dentist has accurately comprehended and acknowledged the patient’s communication. This empathetic approach nurtures a deeper exploration of issues and emotions, promoting discussions around potential changes.
7. Conclusions
Author Contributions
Funding
Conflicts of Interest
References
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Teaching Components | Sub-Categories | Description |
---|---|---|
Didactic Instruction | Structured lectures and coursework designed to provide theoretical knowledge on communication skills. | |
Interactive Learning | Role-Playing Exercises | Interactive activities where students practice communication skills in simulated scenarios. |
Practical Patient Interviewing | Real-life practice through interviewing actual patients in a clinical setting. | |
Assessment Methods | Continuing Assessments | Ongoing evaluations are conducted by students themselves, their peers, and instructors. |
Skill Categories | Generic Communication Skills | Basic communication skills applicable to a variety of scenarios. |
Case-Specific Communication Skills | Specialized skills for specific scenarios, including motivational interviewing and information sharing. | |
Time-Specific Communication Skills | Skills pertinent to different stages of patient interaction, such as session initiation and closure. | |
Emerging Communication Skills | Advanced skills like cultural sensitivity and breaking bad news. | |
Teaching Strategy | Longitudinal Integrated Teaching Approach | Continuous and comprehensive communication skills training integrated throughout the dental curriculum to ensure progressive skill development. |
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Ho, J.C.Y.; Chai, H.H.; Luo, B.W.; Lo, E.C.M.; Huang, M.Z.; Chu, C.H. An Overview of Dentist–Patient Communication in Quality Dental Care. Dent. J. 2025, 13, 31. https://doi.org/10.3390/dj13010031
Ho JCY, Chai HH, Luo BW, Lo ECM, Huang MZ, Chu CH. An Overview of Dentist–Patient Communication in Quality Dental Care. Dentistry Journal. 2025; 13(1):31. https://doi.org/10.3390/dj13010031
Chicago/Turabian StyleHo, Jasmine Cheuk Ying, Hollis Haotian Chai, Bella Weijia Luo, Edward Chin Man Lo, Michelle Zeping Huang, and Chun Hung Chu. 2025. "An Overview of Dentist–Patient Communication in Quality Dental Care" Dentistry Journal 13, no. 1: 31. https://doi.org/10.3390/dj13010031
APA StyleHo, J. C. Y., Chai, H. H., Luo, B. W., Lo, E. C. M., Huang, M. Z., & Chu, C. H. (2025). An Overview of Dentist–Patient Communication in Quality Dental Care. Dentistry Journal, 13(1), 31. https://doi.org/10.3390/dj13010031