Dentist—Patient Communication: A Review of Relevant Models
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3109/00016359709115403Keywords:
Analytical models, dentist—patient, encounter, patient—provider interaction, purposes of communicationAbstract
Sondell K, Söderfeldt B. Dentist-patient communication: a review of relevant models.
A review of the literature on dental treatment was conducted and models presented of the doctor/dentist-patient relationship. These models are listed and divided into two subgroups, empirical and normative models. The models are scrutinized with focus on the dentist-patient communicative relationship exclusively. Different doctor/dentist-patient relationships are described. External factors influencing these relationships are defined. An analysis of dentist-patient communication is made, and a new model of dentist-patient communication is suggested, which states that what is done and what is said during dentist-patient encounters will have an impact on outcome. Three different purposes of dentist-patient communication are presented. The process of attaining these is discussed. It is concluded that a theory of communication is lacking in the dental context, and the need to develop a reliable and valid interaction analysis system for the patient-dentist communication is confirmed.
Acta Odontologica Scandinavica publishes high quality original research papers as well as critical reviews relevant on diseases of the oral cavity, their treatment, epidemiology and associated biomaterials and their development.
