Communication is the exchange of information, while interpersonal skills encompass the emotions and intentions behind that information. Today there is an excess of information being shared online and messages are often misconstrued.
If one cannot see a smile or hear a giggle when someone makes a sarcastic comment, their message may be received as offensive. This is often the case with written communication. We have probably all read an email that wasn’t meant to be offensive, but we ended up reading it twice to make sure, then followed up with a phone call to clarify.
As dental hygiene professionals, we must be aware of our interpersonal skills. Good communication is a daily task, and our messaging is powerful. Most of our communication is face to face, many times through a mask. We communicate with our patients and coworkers, then we take off our professional hat and go home to communicate with family, children, and friends. No wonder we sometimes crave a bit of silence!
Working in a profession where we are educating while communicating requires us to stay informed about trending topics. Our patients are becoming more educated on the subjects surrounding oral health while also reading false messaging on social media. We must stay one step ahead so we can educate patients on the truth or respectfully understand their communication when the truth doesn’t fit into their chosen lifestyle. Positive communication is key, and we can educate while being respectful of a patient’s life choices. An example of this skill set could be when a patient questions x-ray exposure or fluoride treatment.
This month, Sally Aube writes about enhancing patient outcomes through dentist and hygienist communications. Tracee Dahm shares her insights on communicating with a grieving patient. We also have articles on white coat hypertension, implant maintenance, and osteoporosis. In this issue, we provide you with a broad spectrum of topics to improve your ability to communicate with patients while understanding their personal needs.
Communication is a powerful tool and not always a positive experience. Often the power of a smile is your best reply.
Smiling,
Jackie Sanders, MBA, RDH
Chief Editor
Editor's note: This article appeared in the March 2025 print edition of RDH magazine. Dental hygienists in North America are eligible for a complimentary print subscription. Sign up here.
