The Importance of Effective Doctor-Patient Communication
Effective communication is essential when it comes to any relationship. This is especially true with someone you’re trusting with your oral care. Receiving dental work can be a stressful and vulnerable time for many. After all, how many people do you trust to put their hands in your mouth?
Focusing on building a proper relationship with a dental professional is vital to ensure that you’re comfortable, your needs are being met, and you understand treatment options. As a bonus, it’s much less stressful to have an appointment with a provider with whom you have a positive professional relationship. According to the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, more and more dental professionals emphasize their interpersonal skills to provide better care.
Communication is the cornerstone of the professional relationship with your dental provider for various reasons. Each patient brings a unique experience, needs, budgetary requirements, and culture to the table. It’s the dental professional and patient's job to contribute to the relationship to receive the best care possible for your situation and needs.
Some perks that could result from a strong relationship with your dental professional:
- An ability to be honest about your behaviors
- Enhanced confidence advocating for your comfort and needs
- Increased comfort to address any questions or concerns
- Greater likelihood to leave your appointment with a positive experience
- Lessening of pre-appointment anxiety
Helpful tip: It’s important to remember that as the patient, you often have the right to choose who you do business with (based on your insurance, location, and other factors). If you feel that a dental professional is not adequately addressing your needs, it’s often within your rights to seek care elsewhere.