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Dentistry student and patient in dentistry clinic.

Student Eetu Mikkonen (on the left) seeing a patient, i.e., his fellow student Miro Hänninen, at the dentistry teaching clinic.

Successful treatment involves collaboration between the dentist and the patient

  • Text Ulla Kaltiala | Photos Raija Törrönen

What’s your mindset like when arriving for your dental appointment? What happens next? A good dentist listens to and works in agreement with the patient. 

“In the dental profession, communication skills and empathy are just as important as other skills,” says Satu Korpisaari, University Lecturer in Dentistry.

According to her, rehearsing interaction between the patient and the dentist constitutes an important part of studies in dentistry. At the University of Eastern Finland, the Institute of Dentistry and the Language Centre have joined forces in tailoring interaction training for students of dentistry.

“Older people often mention how, in the past, they might have left the dentist without even knowing which procedures had been done in their mouth. Nowadays, treatment is planned together with the patient, and nothing is done without their consent. Procedures are also less frightening when the patient feels they can always influence the situation,” notes Eetu Mikkonen, a student of dentistry.

“Interaction with the patient has a great impact on the overall success of treatment,” adds Korpisaari, who has been running a private dental clinic already for 30 years.

A successful patient encounter calls for an unrushed atmosphere. Before a procedure, there must be time to reach a mutual understanding of the situation and to listen to any concerns the patient may have. In addition, ways for the patient to communicate their needs during the procedure, when unable to speak, are also agreed upon.

“Some patients may fear that they will start coughing or gagging during the procedure. It can be agreed that the patient will raise their hand or tap the armrest if they need a break or feel uncomfortable.”

According to Korpisaari, most patients also appreciate it when the dentist explains what they’re doing throughout the procedure, and how much time each step will take.

“It’s easier to keep your mouth open when you know that in 20 seconds, you can swallow.”

Interaction with the patient has a great impact on the overall success of treatment.

Satu Korpisaari

Satu Korpisaari.