News + Issues

How to communicate with your patient: part II (video series)

As dental students, our experiences involving patient communication are rather limited. While we have the ability to practice our craft on a manikin, we can never fully prepare ourselves for the different scenarios where we may need to manage a patient in order to provide quality care. This three-part video series focuses on how to navigate difficult communication situations, so that hopefully you would be prepared when faced with a similar situation!

Now that you’ve learned how to manage an emotionally charged patient (see part I), it’s time to learn ways to communicate when a procedure might take longer than planned.

Looking for how to manage a patient’s expectations after a procedure? Stay tuned for part III of this series!

~David Ho, Midwestern-Arizona ’18, member, Video Blog Subcommittee

David Ho

David Ho, a third year dental student at Midwestern University-Arizona, currently serves on ASDA's Video Blog Subcommittee as well as historian for his local chapter at MWU. Originally from Texas, David enjoys photographing the starry nights of Arizona, and making dental parodies with his classmates.

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1 Comment

  1. Jessica Hinz says:

    I appreciate the recommendations from the doctors, emphasizing quality of treatment and reconsideration of the plan if things don’t go well. It should also be emphasized to never “promise” a patient anything. You are much more likely to have a satisfied patient if you state what is likely to happen, including any risks or limitations, and then tell the patient that you will do everything you can to deliver the crown in one day, but that you cannot promise it. The patient is less likely to feel lied to if things don’t go well. If the patient becomes upset, then a little empathy and appreciation for his work situation will help calm him down.

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