COMMUNICATION WITH PATIENTS: PSYCHOLOGICAL PREPARATION AND COMMUNICATIVE SKILLS OF A DENTIST
Keywords:
Geriatric Dentistry. Doctor-Patient Communication. Elderly Patients. Psychological Preparedness. Communicative Skills. Dental Anxiety. Empathy in Dentistry. Patient-Centered Care. Age-Related Changes. Treatment Adherence.Abstract
Effective communication with geriatric patients is a critical yet often underemphasized component of modern dental practice. This scientific and methodological article addresses the paramount importance of the dentist's psychological preparedness and communicative competence when interacting with elderly patients. The article analyzes the specific psychological and physiological characteristics of the elderly demographic, including potential sensory deficits (hearing, vision), cognitive changes, and unique social-emotional needs that directly influence the dental care process. A structured methodological framework is proposed for building effective dentist-patient relationships, encompassing techniques for active listening, empathy, clear and simplified information delivery, and shared decision-making.
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