Improving communication | Carestream Dental
Communication forms a huge part of dentistry, allowing practitioners to provide effective care to patients. From the initial encounter with new patients through to the final treatment, providing an empathetic, understanding and interactive service can reduce dental anxiety and heighten treatment adherence[1].
Successful communication is fundamental to good clinical practice, allowing people to inform, be informed and to exchange information effectively. This is crucial to understanding the patient’s reason for attendance, their medical history, to explain treatment needs, gain consent and provide appropriate preventative advice[2].
There are three main elements of communication: words, tone of voice and body language. Verbal interaction accounts for just 7% of transmission, while tone of voice is estimated to convey 33% and non-verbal elements 60%2. Practitioners must provide patients with clear, jargon-free messages, explaining problems and procedures effectively and precisely. Understanding the issue and treatment protocol can enhance compliance, as well as minimise the risk of complaints2.
Research has shown that there is often a substantial gap between patients’ expectations and dentists’ understanding of those expectations[3]. It is suggested that dentists sometimes believe they know what patients should want, rather than finding out what they do want. According to one survey, problems with dissatisfaction were attributed to issues regarding the information patients receive and the ‘responsiveness’ of the practitioner[4]. In another, individuals complained of being excluded from treatment decision-making[5]. Bad experiences with previous dentists and perceptions based on media reports of dental malpractice can also contribute to a patient’s lack of trust3.
Clear and concise communication is therefore crucial to avoid any discrepancies or misunderstandings in the information exchange. This is particularly true with nervous patients, as anxiety can impact on the complex process of communication, making it more difficult to hear, retain and comprehend information. Utilising modern technology to provide images of the problem can help to enhance communication and relay messages to patients. It is also beneficial to provide written material or reports that can be taken away and read at home.
The CS 3500 intraoral scanner from Carestream Dental takes communication to a whole new level. Available as a stand-alone solution, or as part of the integrated CS Solutions CAD/CAM restoration portfolio, the CS 3500 provides practitioners with precise true colour 2D and 3D digital impressions. From realistic digital models to printable reports, the CS 3500 teamed with CS Model software makes it easy to communicate and share information with patients.
Relaying information clearly and effectively enhances understanding, treatment adherence and the overall patient experience. Utilising the latest in innovative technology helps make patients feel more involved in their treatment and provides an effective means to convey information, even when patients are suffering from dental anxiety.
For more information please contact Carestream Dental on
0800 169 9692 or visit www.carestreamdental.co.uk
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[1] Jones, L. M., & Huggins, T. J. (2014). Empathy in the dentist-patient relationship: review and application. The New Zealand Dental Journal, 110 (3), 98-104.
[2] Dougall, A., & Fiske, J. (2008). Access to special care dentistry, part 2. Communication. British Dental Journal, 205, 11-21.
[3] Apelian, N., et al. (2014). Humanizing clinical dentistry through a person-centred model. The International Journal of Whole Person Care, 1 (2): 30-50.
[4] Karydis, A., et al. (2001). Expectations and perceptions of Greek patients regarding the quality of dental health care. International Journal of Quality Health Care, 13 (5), 409-416.
[5] Redford, M., & Gift, H. C. (1997). Dentist-patient interactions in treatment decision-making: a qualitative study. Journal of Dental Education, 61 (1), 16-21.
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GDPUK Ltd announces sale of intellectual property to leading publisher Cogora Group
GDPUK Ltd today announces the sale of its intellectual property assets to Cogora Group, one of the UK's leading publishers of healthcare brands, events and educational platforms.
The decision to sell GDPUK’s intellectual property forms part of a considered transition to ensure the long‑term stewardship and development of the brand and associated assets. Cogora brings a wealth of experience and expertise to support the continued evolution of the dentistry brand within its wide portfolio of market-leading healthcare publications. Its award-winning titles include Pulse, a long‑standing and widely recognised source of political news and clinical education for GPs, Nursing in Practice, Management in Practice, The Pharmacist, Pulse PCN and Healthcare Leader, as well as two secondary care publications – Hospital Healthcare Europe and Hospital Pharmacy Europe. The purchase will cement Cogora as the biggest publisher of primary care titles in the UK and allow it to bring its expertise in providing news, analysis, opinion and groundbreaking stories to GDPUK, as well as continue giving dentists and dental staff a voice through its website.
“After careful consideration, we believe that Cogora is well positioned to take GDPUK’s intellectual property forward,” said Tony Jacobs, founder, editor and publisher of GDPUK.com . “This transaction provides continuity for the professional community associated with GDPUK and creates opportunities for future growth under experienced ownership.”
Tony will continue involvement in GDPUK on a consulting basis.
GDPUK Ltd has worked to ensure an orderly transfer of the intellectual property and wishes Cogora every success in its future development.