In this episode of The Disrupting Dentistry Podcast, Melissa (USA) and Tabitha (Australia) dive into communication's critical role in improving patient outcomes. From explaining the oral-systemic connection to collaborating with medical professionals, they share actionable strategies to enhance patient engagement and drive whole-body health. You'll learn how patient-centered communication, visual aids, and interdisciplinary collaboration can transform your practice and reduce systemic inflammation. Tune in for practical tips backed by science!
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
- Why effective communication is essential for improving patient compliance and health outcomes
- Patient-centered communication techniques that enhance understanding and engagement
- The power of visual aids, including biofilm disclosing and voice-activated periodontal charting
- How to clearly explain the oral-systemic link to patients
- The importance of collaborating with other healthcare providers for integrated patient care
- Link to the episode referneced: The One Where We Talk About Communication
Key Takeaways:
- Use patient-friendly language and open-ended questions to foster better communication.
- Leverage visual aids and real-time technology to help patients "see" their oral health status.
- Clearly articulate the connection between oral health and systemic conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
- Build interdisciplinary relationships to deliver holistic patient care.
References Mentioned:
- Bale, B., & Doneen, A. (2022). Beat the Heart Attack Gene: The Revolutionary Plan to Prevent Heart Disease, Stroke, and Diabetes.
- Epstein, R. M., et al. (2005). Patient-centered communication and diagnostic testing. Annals of Family Medicine, 3(5), 415-421.
- Gurenlian, J. R. (2022). Patient-centered care in dental hygiene. Journal of Dental Hygiene, 96(2), 121-127.
- Ha, J. F., & Longnecker, N. (2010). Doctor-patient communication: A review. Ochsner Journal, 10(1), 38-43.
- Ide, M., et al. (2016). Periodontitis and pregnancy outcomes. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 43(6), 524-530.
- Liccardo, D., et al. (2019). Periodontal disease and systemic inflammation. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 20(6), 1414.
- Patel, N., et al. (2015). Real-time patient data and adherence. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 22(1), 74-80.
- Slack-Smith, L., et al. (2017). Interdisciplinary dental and medical collaboration. Australian Dental Journal, 62(1), 115-121.
- Slade, G. D., et al. (2020). Oral health and systemic disease links. Australian Dental Journal, 65(1), 58-64.
- van der Sluijs, E., et al. (2018). Biofilm disclosure and patient compliance. International Journal of Dental Hygiene, 16(3), 297-304.
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Next Episode Teaser: Stay tuned for our next episode, where we explore how to prevent gingivitis by making it "sexy."
