It all starts with the patient

The General Dental Council (GDC) Standards for the Dental Team sets patients’ interests at the core of ethical practice. The code elucidates much of this principle in terms of integrity; honest communications, and holistic clinical care.

Dental professionals are increasingly encouraged to seek patient participation throughout the entire consultation process, from selecting treatments to managing appropriate self-care. Clinicians often find that delivering the best treatment requires some education, and building rapport and developing communication is key. This increases trust and enables collaboration, contributing to greater case acceptance.

It can be hard not to take it personally when patients refuse to participate or to adhere to carefully considered recommendations. Although it may be a simple case of a patient having little interest in following advice, their inability to listen or trust professionals may be linked to a number of circumstances. These include poor mental health, treatment burnout due to a chronic illness, learning difficulties, neurodivergence or behavioural disorders.