How to Communicate with Your Dental Patients

I’ve been studying various forms of communication lately, with an emphasis on “Asking Questions.” when dealing with dental patients

Here’s what I see as 3 of the most common mistakes when “Asking Questions”: 

1. Asking more than one question at a time.

• Slow down.
• Break up complex information into chunks that are easier to understand.
• Be patient.

2. Asking the question and then giving the answer yourself.

• Prioritize information so that the most important parts come first.
• Take your time when asking questions of your patients.
• Repeat the question, or indeed their answer, if required. 

3. Not observing patients when they answer your questions.

• Active listening involves maintaining eye contact, showing an interest in what they are saying by nodding, and asking further questions for clarification.
• Listening involves much more than just hearing the contents of the message.
• Remember to observe non-verbal communication signals, such as breathing rates, wrinkling of the forehead and tension in their shoulders or jaw. 

I’d really urge you to keep these thoughts in mind when asking questions of your patients. 

You’ll be amazed at how much more information you receive. 

And also, how much more engaged your patient will be in return.

Warm Regards,

Leonard

Dr Leonard J Maguire

BDS LL.M MBA PG Dip Med. Ed. FDTFEd AFFMLM CMgr FCMI FICD MFDS RCSEd MFGDP MFFLM 

Dentist. Author. Co-Founder

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