Communicating without Barriers: Reducing Bias & Improving Patient Communication

Course overview

Course Description This continuing education course is designed to help dental professionals recognize how personal assumptions, unconscious bias, cultural differences, and communication styles can impact patient interactions and clinical outcomes. Participants will explore strategies for creating a respectful, inclusive, and patient-centered environment while improving communication with individuals from diverse backgrounds, ages, abilities, and health literacy levels. Emphasis will be placed on building trust, improving patient compliance, reducing misunderstandings, and enhancing the overall patient experience within the dental setting. Learning Objectives Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: Define implicit bias and explain how it can affect patient care and communication in the dental setting. Identify common communication barriers that may interfere with effective patient interactions. Discuss the importance of cultural awareness, empathy, and professionalism when communicating with patients. Recognize how tone, body language, assumptions, and terminology may influence patient trust and treatment acceptance. Demonstrate techniques for improving communication with patients of varying cultural backgrounds, ages, and health literacy levels. Apply patient-centered communication strategies to improve understanding, compliance, and patient satisfaction