Communicating science to our patients and the public

Communicating dental science, especially on issues of health and safety, is assuming increased importance in dental practice and in the relation of the profession to the public. Effective risk communication requires knowledge, balance and sensitivity to the concerns of our patients and the public. It is a skill that takes preparation, training and practice, and schools and professional organizations should be encouraged to include it in their educational programs. Presenting dental science to the public is a more difficult challenge than for the individual patient since there is no readily available site for exchange, such as the office, and no personally established relationship, credibility or trust. A larger cadre of trained spokespersons from the practice, public health, academic and research communities is needed, and more extensive multi-lingual and multi-cultural educational material should be made available for community outreach. Oral presentations to the public require different skills of both a verbal and nonverbal nature than for office communication or professional group presentation-and guidelines are offered.