5 Essential Communication Skills for Dental Students to Develop Good Chairside Manner
Let’s face it: most patients don’t look forward to going to the dentist. They may feel nervous, anxious, frustrated, or downright terrified. As a future dentist, you have the power to change that – not only through the care you deliver, but also how you communicate with your patients when you’re sitting beside them.
Through your verbal and body language, you can help reshape the way your patients consider oral healthcare.
Let’s review five essential communication skills you can adopt now as a dental student to leverage in your future practice.
Before you pick up an instrument, start the appointment with a two-way dialogue. Using questions can help you understand the initial clinical matter, along with patient fears, expectations, and goals. This open dialogue also positions you as a partner in the patient’s care plan.
- Begin with open‑ended questions
Instead of jumping straight into the exam, ask questions that invite more than a yes-or-no answer, such as:
- “What brings you in today?”
- “Is there anything specific you’re worried about?”
- “How have your teeth and gums been feeling lately?”
- Invite questions throughout the appointment
Let patients know you want their input:
- “If anything I say isn’t clear, please stop me and ask.”
- “Before we get started, what questions do you have?”
- Use the teach-back method to confirm understanding
After you explain a diagnosis or home care instructions, gently request that the patient repeat it back in their own words. Be sure to mention the goal is to ensure their understanding of care, not to test their knowledge:
- “Just to make sure I explained that clearly, can you tell me how you’ll clean that area at home?”
- “Do you mind repeating those instructions, just to confirm we’re on the same page?”
What you say matters, but so does
how you say it.
- Use a calm, reassuring tone
Slow your speech, avoid sounding rushed, and pause to check in. Even small, encouraging reminders like, “You’re doing great,” can make a big difference.
- Normalize anxiety and uncertainty
Patients may feel embarrassed or ashamed about the condition of their teeth. Make them feel comfortable to be honest about their oral hygiene habits. Use non-judgmental phrases such as:
- “It’s completely normal to feel a little nervous about this.”
- “A lot of people feel the same way.”
- “Many people struggle with this aspect of oral care. I see this all the time.”
- Be mindful of your body language
Patients notice nonverbal cues, so be cognizant of how you present yourself:
- Avoid rolling your eyes, sighing, or appearing frustrated.
- Uncross your arms, face the patient, and maintain appropriate eye contact.
- Put away your phone or other distractions.
- Avoid making judgmental facial expressions.
If patients don’t fully understand you, they may feel overwhelmed and be less likely to ask questions or properly follow instructions.
- Translate clinical terms into plain language
Try to avoid technical phrasing when simple wording will do. For example:
- Instead of, “Develop a routine flossing regimen,” try, “Pick a time of day to floss and stick with it.”
- Explain diagnoses in simple terms
Don’t stop at “You have periodontal disease.” Follow up with a clear explanation:
- “This is also called gum disease. It means your gums are infected. It’s common and usually happens when brushing or flossing doesn’t remove enough plaque. Signs can include swollen or bleeding gums. The good news is that we have treatments to help get this under control.”
- Break down procedures and risks into clear steps
When you describe a treatment plan or procedure:
- Explain what will happen first, second, and last.
- Mention any discomfort, noises, or sensations the patient might feel.
- Be honest but reassuring about risks and what options are available to minimize them.
A lot of dental anxiety comes from not knowing what to expect. Setting clear expectations up front can help reduce fear.
- Walk the patient through the appointment
Before you begin, briefly outline what you’ll do:
- “Today we’ll start with some x-rays, then I’ll do an exam. After that, we’ll talk about what I find and go over any treatment you might need.”
- For procedures, expand on related noises and other disturbances: “You’ll hear a buzzing sound from the handpiece, and you may feel a little pressure, but I’ll keep you numb and check in often.”
- Obtain informed consent
Don’t assume a nod or silence means “yes.” Instead, create a discussion:
- Ask clarifying questions and give the patient the opportunity to think them over: “Does this plan make sense? Do you feel comfortable moving forward?”
- Implement an informed consent process for your practice that includes written documentation protocols (for both consent and refusal of treatment) and train staff on it.
- Agree on a “pause” signal
Because patients often can’t speak clearly during treatment, establish a sign to pause or halt treatment ahead of time.:
- “If you need a break at any point, just raise your left hand and I’ll stop.”
Having a simple gesture in place can help patients feel safer and more in control.
Many patients understand oral healthcare better when they can picture it.
- Use tools you have in the clinic
- Radiographs to point out areas of concern.
- Intraoral photos to illustrate plaque buildup, fractures, or gum issues.
- Models or mirrors to demonstrate brushing and flossing techniques.
- Connect visuals directly to your explanation
- “See this dark area on the x-ray? That’s where the cavity is located.”
- “Look at the gumline in this photo. That redness is where the gums are irritated. Brushing along this area gently will help.”
- Offer simple handouts or diagrams when possible
Easy-to-read visual guides can help patients remember instructions once they leave the clinic.
Practice Makes Perfect: Build Small, Actionable Habits
You don’t have to overhaul your entire communication style overnight. Aim for small, attainable changes to start.
- Choose one tactic per clinic appointment to focus on, such as:
- Starting with an open-ended question.
- Identifying a pause signal before beginning treatment.
- Pause and reflect after each appointment. Ask yourself:
- What did I explain clearly?
- How did the patient’s demeanor change throughout the appointment? Were the changes positive or negative?
- How could I handle that differently next time?
It’s never too early to start building strong relationships with your patients through effective communication. By being thoughtful about what you say and how you present yourself, you can establish good chairside manner and help patients feel confident and safe in your care.
Conclusion
As a future dentist, it’s key to remember that good care isn’t just clinical. Yor words, tone, and presence shape how patients experience care.
Prioritizing good chairside manner in your dental education can help you develop critical soft skills – such as active listening, empathy, and time management – that you’ll carry with you throughout your career.
Another way to help position your future practice for success? Consider
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Disclaimer: This information is provided for general information purposes only and is not providing individual guidance. While care has been taken in the production of this article and the information contained within it has been obtained from sources that Aon believes to be reliable, Aon does not warrant, represent, or guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, or fitness for any purpose of the information or any part of it and can accept no liability for any loss incurred in any way by any person who may rely on it. Recipients are responsible for the use to which they use this information.