Strategies for communicating with older dental patients

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Dentistry
• Health Communication
• Patient Education

Background:

• Effective communication is vital for dental care in patients aged 65 and older.
• Older adults frequently face communication barriers in healthcare settings.
• The aging population necessitates tailored communication approaches in dentistry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify barriers to effective communication between dentists and older patients.
• To explore strategies for overcoming these communication barriers.
• To enhance the quality of dental care for the geriatric population.

Main Methods:

• A targeted literature review was conducted.
• The review encompassed health communication literature and health literacy guidelines.
• The focus was on communication barriers and strategies specific to older adults.

Main Results:

• Key communication strategies include preparing appointment agendas, using warm nonverbal cues, and active listening.
• Employing simple language and providing written instructions are effective techniques.
• Asking open-ended questions and presenting information sequentially improves patient understanding.

Conclusions:

• Physical, psychological, and literacy factors create communication challenges for both patients and providers.
• Dentists can surmount these barriers by implementing communication strategies designed for older adults.
• Adopting tailored communication approaches improves dental care quality for geriatric patients.