communication and interpersonal skills

Question 1

How do you effectively communicate with patients and colleagues in a dental setting?

Answer 1

with patients:
- clear simple language to explain procedures
- use visual aids and models to explain e.g type of floss, dental images etc
- listen actively to concerns and fears
- maintain eye contact, positive body lang, smile and nod
- offer positive feedback & encouragement

with colleagues:
- use concise lang when discussing cases
- listen to concerns & preferences
- recognise when colleague needs help & offer support
- positive body lang & eye contact- open for collab
- share updates and new findings in dental care
- recognise team efforts & achievements

Question 2

Describe a situation where you had to adjust your communication style to effectively communicate with a patient from a different background?

Question 3

How do you establish trust and rapport with patients as a dentist?

Question 4

Explain how you simplify complex dental information to make it understandable for patients.

Question 5

How do you deliver difficult news or diagnoses to patients sensitively?

Question 6

Can you explain how you handle patient complaints or negative feedback professionally?

Question 7

How do you communicate with colleagues in a dental team to ensure comprehensive patient care?

Question 8

Can you describe a time when you had to coordinate patient care with a healthcare provider outside the dental field?

Question 9

How do you maintain professionalism and ethical standards in patient and colleague communication?

Question 10

Can you describe a time when you had to balance patient preferences and values while maintaining ethical and professional standards?

Question 11

Have you ever advocated for a patient’s needs or rights? If yes, please explain how you handled the situation