Are good relationships with patients the key to success?

Barry Oulton explains how to transform patient care through dynamic and effective communication, even with tight schedules.

Since launching The Confident Dentist Academy, I’ve uncovered a critical misconception: that it’s hard to build instant rapport with patients, it’s awkward and it takes time to do so. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

Dentists are missing out on one of the most rewarding aspects of dentistry – building genuine relationships with their patients. While many dentists strive to engage with their patients, the constraints of time often hinder this crucial element.

However, investing time in communication can yield profound benefits, creating a win-win scenario for both the dentist and the patient. How can we turn this challenge into an opportunity?

Your secret weapon

Imagine transforming your conversations with one simple shift: making communication a priority. Challenge yourself to embrace new ideas, fuelling your success, enjoyment and happiness.

Remember, there’s no such thing as failure, only feedback – each interaction is a chance to refine your approach. Start by mastering communication skills that enable you to build rapport with anyone in mere minutes.

Dentists are uniquely positioned to forge strong connections with their patients, helping them to make their best choices. Effective communication is the key to ensuring that patients receive the optimal care tailored to their needs and desires.

Don’t just stop with yourself – bring your entire team on board. Effective communication should be a collective goal. Ensure that everyone is aligned and working together to enhance patient interactions.

When your team supports one another, the impact is immediate and profound.

Barry’s top tips

Here are my top tips for building meaningful relationships with your patients, even when time is limited:

Be more like them: people like people who are like them
Use their words: don’t translate into your own words. Using theirs builds rapport and demonstrates active listening
Smile more: a simple smile is a powerful bonding gesture
Shake hands: match the pressure of your handshake to your patient’s to establish connection
Make eye contact: show your patients that you are actively listening
Identify each patient’s ‘direction filter’: tailor your communication to suit different personalities
Match and mirror: subtly copy your patient’s gestures and language to build rapport
Be interested: engage with your patient’s interests and ask questions about what they enjoy
Choose your words carefully: use positive language to present ideas
Be honest, warm and genuine: authenticity makes building rapport effortless.

Cultivate positivity daily

Kickstart each day with a team huddle focused on positivity and support. This simple practice sets an uplifting tone for the day: share a joke, an inspirational quote, a funny story or highlight the best moments from yesterday. Discuss your goals, celebrate successes and strategise how to ask for referrals. Although schedules are demanding, cultivating a positive mindset is within your control.

Adopt the mindset: ‘I have the determination, skills, desire and capabilities to transform my situation.’ By thoughtfully phrasing your interactions, you project a positive image and build stronger connections.

Seek commonality and subtly match and mirror others’ behaviours. Remember, words constitute only 7% of our communication – tone and body language make up the rest. Mastering these skills makes communication effortless, both professionally and personally.

All dentists, whether we are working in the NHS or privately, can and should build robust rapport and trust with their patients. Regularly refreshing these skills can significantly boost your success and patient satisfaction.

By embedding these strategies into your daily routine, you can overcome the constraints of time and develop meaningful, impactful relationships with your patients. This will not only enhance the care provided but also significantly boost patient satisfaction and loyalty. Embrace the power of effective communication and watch your practice thrive!