Risk perception and risk communication: benefits of dentist-patient discussions

Experts in risk communication have encouraged dentists to initiate discussions about dental office-related risks with their patients. However, little is known about how often these discussions occur--and even less about their consequences. A survey of 4,061 dental patients explored patients' concerns, the frequency of risk-related discussions and their correlates. Patients who discussed concerns were less fearful about dentistry and more likely to receive dental care often. The study findings highlight the complexities of risk communication.