Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41744949›Full record

ReviewDentistry journal2026

Transforming Dental Care Through Empathetic and Clear Communication: A Comprehensive Review and Implementation Framework.

Jasmine Cheuk Ying Ho, Joanna Cheuk Yan Hui, Hollis Haotian Chai, Michelle Zeping Huang, Edward Chin Man Lo, Chun Hung Chu

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Dentistry journal, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
3citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

3 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
  2. Article
  3. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Jasmine Cheuk Ying HoFaculty of Dentistry, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 852, China.ORCID 0009-0005-1027-4173
Joanna Cheuk Yan HuiFaculty of Dentistry, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 852, China.ORCID 0009-0009-0589-2996
Hollis Haotian ChaiFaculty of Dentistry, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 852, China.
Michelle Zeping HuangFaculty of Dentistry, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 852, China.ORCID 0009-0005-7342-8774
Edward Chin Man LoFaculty of Dentistry, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 852, China.
Chun Hung ChuFaculty of Dentistry, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 852, China.ORCID 0000-0002-8167-0430

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Effective dentist-patient communication underpins care, empowering informed decisions, reducing anxiety, improving efficiency, and fostering trust through clear, accurate, cohesive exchanges. This narrative review used a structured Medline search of literature, employing key terms to select and synthesize relevant English-language publications on dentist-patient communication without strict inclusion criteria. Key strategies include active listening, empathetic dialogue, patient-centred approaches, and the use of plain language and visual aids to demystify complex information. Additionally, integrating technology for appointment reminders, virtual consultations, and feedback mechanisms can streamline interactions. Crucially, cultural competency and sensitivity to individual needs ensure inclusivity and personalized care. Building on these findings, the study outlines ten actionable pillars for effective communication: (1) Initial Consultation: Establish rapport and gather comprehensive medical/dental histories. (2) Treatment Explanation: Simplify diagnoses and options using layman's terms. (3) Informed Consent: Transparently discuss risks/benefits and invite questions. (4) Patient Education: Clarify oral hygiene practices and post-treatment expectations. (5) Anxiety Management: Address fears through reassurance and tailored coping strategies. (6) Follow-Up Care: Maintain post-treatment engagement to resolve concerns. (7) Feedback Systems: Leverage patient insights for service improvement. (8) Cultural Sensitivity: Adapt communication to diverse backgrounds. (9) Non-Verbal Cues: Employ positive body language and active listening. (10) Technology Integration: Utilize digital tools for efficiency and accessibility. By prioritizing empathy, clarity, and adaptability, clinicians can transform dental visits from anxiety-inducing encounters into collaborative partnerships. This approach not only elevates patient satisfaction and adherence but also redefines the standard of care, aligning clinical practice with the evolving needs of modern dentistry.

Indexed as

communicationdentistdigitalempathymodernpatientpatient-centredquality of caresatisfaction

Identifiers

PMID41744949
PMCPMC12939114

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.