Communicate With Clarity

29 November 2024

The long waiting lists and staff shortages among the UK’s health sector[i] have made it increasingly difficult for healthcare providers to have comprehensive conservations with their patients.[ii] With busier schedules, it is a challenge to sit down with a patient and engage them on a more psychological and emotional level; this requires more time.

For dental practitioners, treatment success will depend on effective communication with the patient. However, there can be many barriers stopping this, and practitioners should be prepared to overcome these for the benefit of the patient.

 

Treatment chat

Providing, receiving and interpreting information, verbally or non-verbally, is the backbone of the patient-practitioner relationship. Effective communication ensures that practitioners can identify the clinical problem and the wishes of the patient, and it also ensures that the right diagnosis or dental treatment is delivered. Minimal or insufficient communication can lead to treatment failure, tarnishing the relationship.

The rise in consumerism, as well as the power of social media and a better-informed public, has created a shift towards more interactive communication channels and dynamics.[iii] The difference may be notable for patients; despite many dentists believing that their communication style is effective, some patients have reported receiving contradictory explanations or that they are unaware of what the dentist is doing.[iv] To avoid this, practitioners should relay information as simply as possible, use visual aids, check with the patient that everything said has been understood, and encourage any questions or uncertainties to be voiced.[v] Narrating the action can also help the patient imagine what is happening in their oral cavity.

For treatment consent, practitioners must provide all of the information needed for the patient to make an informed decision. From the benefits to the risks, from other reasonable alternatives to the impact of no treatment, there are many aspects for a patient to weigh up.[vi] This can seem overwhelming, and it is crucial for patients not to rush a decision. The empathy, quality and clarity of communication between practitioner and patient is correlated to the overall satisfaction of the patient’s experience and their knowledge of the treatment plan.[vii]

 

Post-treatment importance

For patients who are undertaking or have undertaken an extensive treatment, such as a dental implant, the importance of aftercare must be detailed. Practitioners should check a patient’s understanding by asking them questions about the treatment and the post-treatment care, reiterating its importance. If there are gaps in the patient’s knowledge, the practitioner can provide the necessary support, ensuring home care compliance.[viii] A dental implant may give a patient immediate aesthetic and functional satisfaction, but they must also be prepared to look after the implant to reduce the risk of peri-implantitis and implant failure. A carefully communicated post-treatment oral hygiene routine can empower the patient to be compliant, leading to long-term favourable outcomes.[ix]

 

Patients who may struggle

Some patients may struggle with listening or absorbing important treatment information. This includes neurodivergent patients, those with anxiety, those with learning disabilities or hearing impairments, and patients who may be speaking in their second language. These situations all demand a tailored approach to communication, such as using translation programmes, simplifying technical terms, using props or visual aids, and creating a relaxing atmosphere.[x] One of the most effective ways of achieving this is simply for the practitioner to introduce themselves – giving a name is a friendly start that can promote safety and trust, especially for those who may be harder to communicate with.

 

A chance to learn

For all the latest insights into communicating implant treatment with patients, attend the Association of Dental Implantology (ADI) Team Congress 2025. Located in Brighton, the vibrant event promises an unmissable programme, a major exhibition, eye-opening workshops and fun networking opportunities, as well as world-class lecturers. From the latest technological innovations and clinical techniques to new ways of engaging with patients, practitioners can learn invaluable skills, enhancing their knowledge and the way they deliver exceptional implant treatments.

Clear communication means patients can better understand their treatment plans, promoting more informed decision-making and helping maintain the post-treatment care for a more comfortable experience and better outcomes. With tailored communication techniques, practitioners can deepen their relationship with the patient for greater long-term health benefits.

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