[Series: Communication in the dental practice. Building a good dentist-patient relationship with communication]

A good dentist-patient relationship promotes better oral health of the patient. In order to build and maintain such a relationship a dentist should possess good communication skills. First of all, an open, empathic attitude is important, in which the dentist is aware that he can make mistakes interpreting patient behaviour. Good observational skills are necessary to detect (non-)verbal signals indicating how to interpret the patient's story. By demonstrating non-verbal, paralingual and verbal listening behaviour,he can show patients that he is paying attention to them. When discussing findings, it is important for patients to receive a clear explanation and be given the opportunity to ask questions. It is also wise to pay attention to the patient's expectations of the treatment outcome, elaborate on the advantages and disadvantages of the treatment alternatives and to be transparent in case of complications.