COMMUNICATION SKILLS IN DENTISTRY: Managing Consultations, Emotions and Challenging Conversations

Venue:   School of Dentistry, Education Wing

Dates:    Friday 15^th January 2027

Time:     9.15am to 9.30am arrival and registration for a 9.30am start – close at 4.30pm

Course Speakers: 

Steven Attwell – BDS, MFDS (RCSEd), PGCert, MA (Academic Practice), FHEA, Clinical Lecturer in Primary Care Dentistry and Clinical Communications Lead, University of Liverpool www.liverpool.ac.uk/people/steven-attwell

Radha Nagpaul – BDS, MFGDP (UK), General Dental Practitioner, Lecturer in Primary Care Dentistry and Clinical Communications Tutor in Dentistry and Medicine, University of Liverpool

Who Should Attend?

Dental professionals who wish to further improve their communication with patients, or who are transitioning into UK dental practice, including current or future overseas registrants.

Course Description

Aim: This interactive one-day course evaluates and develops the communication skills required for effective, patient-centred dental care. Participants will examine the structure of successful dental consultations; techniques for responding to patient emotions; approaches to managing challenging patient interactions; and methods for the clear explanation of diagnoses, treatment options and consent-related information.

The course combines short teaching sessions with practical simulated consultations involving professional role players. Participants will have opportunities to observe, practise, and reflect on their communication skills in a supportive environment, receiving structured feedback from facilitators, peers, and simulated patients.

 Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the event delegates will be able to:

·       Describe the principles of effective patient-centred communication within dental practice.

·       Demonstrate a structured approach to conducting an effective dental consultation.

·       Apply communication techniques to recognise and respond appropriately to patients' emotions, concerns and expectations.

·       Demonstrate strategies for managing challenging consultations whilst maintaining professionalism, empathy and rapport.

·       Explain diagnoses, treatment options, risks and benefits in a manner that supports patient understanding and informed decision-making.

·       Evaluate their own communication performance during simulated patient interactions and identify opportunities for further development.

This course qualifies for 5.5 hours of verifiable CPD and links to Enhanced CPD development outcomes: A, B & D