Integrating Emotional Dentistry into Your Practice
Using emotional intelligence and empathetic understanding can help build connections that
benefit both patient and practitioner.
By Susan Richards
While there’s a growing recognition of the oral and overall health connection, the intersection
between dental health and the dental patient’s mental well-being doesn’t get the same attention.
Further discussion and practice of emotional dentistry can help bridge that gap – to benefit both
patient and practitioner.
What exactly is emotional dentistry? Fear and anxiety already populate familiar territory for the
sedation dentist who regularly addresses ambivalence about treatment and results. Expanding
upon that awareness can help all dental professionals build healthy connections with their
patients and improve the well-being of the entire practice.
Understanding the Oral Health and Emotional Connection
A recent Incisor article by Dr. Mehmood Asghar explored the research behind the oral-mental
health link – including the evidence suggesting periodontal disease may be a contributing factor
to the onset of depression. The vicious cycle continues when patients who struggle with mental
health tend to neglect their oral health, creating even more issues that interfere with improving
their emotional outlook.
According to a study reported in Psychiatric News, over 65% of respondents with poor mental
health admitted to doing nothing about their dental symptoms. This, in turn, resulted in tooth
loss, possibly compromised speech, diminished self-esteem, socialization problems, and so on.
Chronic pain from dental problems can also decrease serotonin levels, which exacerbate
depression and anxiety – all leading to worse overall health concerns. Also included in this loop
is xerostomia, a common side effect of many psychotropic medications that leads to gum disease
and tooth decay.
It’s important to be aware of these cyclical cause-and-effect issues when evaluating new patients
and treating current ones who may struggle with emotions surrounding their oral health.
Integrating Emotional Care into the Dental Practice
A person’s smile has a very strong bond to their self-esteem. Studies referenced in a recent Bite
Magazine article revealed that almost half of those surveyed said their smile topped the list of
things they would change about themselves.
The advent of social media and selfies has only increased the unrealistic perceptions and
expectations people have about their appearance. While dentists may not be able to resolve the
deeper problems of smile dysmorphia, active listening, effective communication, and empathy
can all help alleviate patient anxiety and improve self-esteem.
The regular advances in dental technology also make the practice of emotional dentistry easier to
integrate. Thanks to intraoral cameras and digital imagery, patients can visualize the potential
outcome of treatment and see the smile – and improved oral health – they desire. These tools can
be used to encourage procedures that might include:
• Teeth whitening
• Dental implants
• Orthodontics and aligners
• Gum contouring
• Dental bridges
• Veneers and crowns
The Power of Empathy
Most dental professionals enter the field with an aspiration to help people, but they probably
have more hurdles than other healthcare members when communicating that goal to fearful,
anxious people. Many nervous patients have stories of previous negative experiences that the
dentist must overcome. Therefore, conveying empathy is crucial to reassuring patients and
achieving successful outcomes.
Psychologists have defined three types of empathy – cognitive, emotional, and compassionate –
each with their relative benefits and pitfalls. Not to be confused with sympathy, empathy is
considered the cornerstone of emotional intelligence. The good news is it can be taught and
learned.
A 2021 survey for the National Library of Medicine, Journal of Patient Experience, explored the
attitude and empathy levels of dental postgraduates towards their patients in practice and
research. The research highlighted the importance of understanding patients’ feelings and
experiences to conduct an effective dental examination.
The study concluded that “educational programs on research ethics and clinical practice will
further increase empathy levels among budding dentists.” It also reinforced the position that
empathy in dental professionals is even more critical than in other healthcare fields.
The results of good communication and patient-dentist trust are numerous and ultimately benefit
all parties, including:
• Patient satisfaction.
• Lower levels of stress and dental chair anxiety.
• Increased treatment plan acceptance rates.
• Improved pain management.
• Long-term patient relationships and retention.
• More patient referrals.
What is Compassion Fatigue?
Being an empathetic healthcare professional does not mean there’s a bottomless reservoir of care
and concern for patients. Compassion fatigue is common, especially for dentists running a
business and managing other empathetic team members.
Dental practice burnout can cut their careers short and impact the patients’ experiences. Dentists
are encouraged to recognize the emotional toll and implement support systems and self-care
practices within the office. Meditation and relaxation techniques can help both the patient and
the practitioner.
Sedation dentists already have a strong foothold in emotional dentistry, but continued awareness
and conscientious compassion can only help bridge the gap between oral health and
psychological well-being.
Author: Susan Richards is a staff writer at DOCS Education with over 20 years of experience in
local journalism and business marketing. Her career includes award-winning feature writing, as
well as creating content with context for a wide variety of industries.
