Reflective Report on Communication Skills in Dental Practice

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FIRST DAY ON MY CURRENT JOB

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................2
PART A......................................................................................................................................3
PART B...................................................................................................................................... 6
CONCLUSION............................................................................................................................6
REFERENCES............................................................................................................................. 7
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INTRODUCTION
This is a reflective writing report in which I am going to discuss and reflect my work
experience at my current job. I am currently working in a dental practice where I am
required to communicate with patients, peers and office staff. In order to perform my job
effectively, I need to ensure effective communication between the team. Here, I am going to
utilize Driscoll’s reflection model (1994) to demonstrate personal communication abilities
and the process through which my communication abilities are improved and supported in
improving my overall performance.
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PART A
Communication is the quintessential aspect of every job. Similarly, in dental practice, we
have to ensure effective communication between our team and with the patient so that we
can understand their oral health issues well and provide quality services to them. I am
working as a dental nurse and recently I have experience with a patient that has informed
me about the value of communication in dental practice. To share the incident and
experience effectively I am using Driscoll’s reflection model. This would support me to
demonstrate new learning from the incident (Driscoll, 2006).
DRISCOLL’S MODEL OF REFLECTION
[Source: Driscoll, 1994]
WHAT?
That was an incident that has informed me about the value of my role as a dental nurse and
encouraged me to perform my duties more responsibly by properly listening to the patient's
concerns. This was the experience that I would never forget.
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While performing my regular job duties, I was preparing for a dental Implant of a teenage
boy. The boy was very nervous and fearful as that was his first-ever dental treatment
experience. He was constantly asking me if it hurts, for how many days he feels pain, do the
doctor is strict and so many questions. At that moment, I have made eye contact with the
boy and told him that there is nothing to worry about and he will be fine as soon as the
implant was completed. My words have made him calm and comfortable and he stayed
calm throughout the process.
What I have seen at that moment is that the patient was more comfortable with me and
trusted me. He was sharing his concerns with a nurse rather than talking directly to the
doctor. I was feeling valued and honoured that time along with I was also feeling
responsible to care for the patient and keep him calm during implant. There were other
peoples too at the situation involving a doctor, a nurse and mum of the patient. The doctors
and nurse were busy in their work and smiling to the questions of the boy while his mum
was trying to exhort her son to not worry.
The key aspect of that situation is that it has made me realized that a nervous patient is
more likely to trust and listen to the nurse who is not going to put instruments in his mouth
but has proper knowledge of every procedure and after sufferings. The role of a nurse is as
much important as a doctor as they can provide proper guidance to the patients.
SO WHAT?
In this whole situation, I think I was the one who can handle the boy and make him more
comfortable with proper communication. I was feeling a sense of responsibility at that time.
Since then, every day I try to make my every patient comfortable with advice and support.
There is no difference in my attitude now.
Due to this, most of the patients are managed to remain calm and doctors are able to
operate easily. I have realized that my words and positive conversation with the patient can
make the patients relaxed and doctor’s work easy. The best part of this is that it has also
supported in developing a good relationship with our patients.
While comparing to my colleague's performance, I have noticed that the patients seek to
talk with me for advice and support and the doctor has also given me the responsibility to
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handle the patients like that teenage boy. This has made me more confident in the
workplace. That episode has brought a positive change in my performance and my value at
the workplace.
NOW WHAT?
While doing this I have understood the value of listening and understanding the need of
every patient. This has enabled me to realize how important communication is in dental
care services. If I would not able to resolve the queries of the boy and make him
comfortable he may get the best results as the doctors may find it difficult to treat him.
Moreover, the boy may remain unaware of the results.
I face such kind of situation more often and apply the same process to handle nervous
patients. I think effective listening and communication is the best way to relax patients and
provide proper information and guidance to them. So, I will always try to attain every
patient with a positive attitude and communicate all the essentials to them to improve my
performance every day.
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PART B
The above incident has also supported in improving my behaviour, attitude and
performance along with my professional performance. Regular contact with the patients
and colleagues has supported in improving my communication and listening skills. Due to
this, I can understand and relate to the requirements of my patients and team. My
communication skills have also improved with my job. Now, I am more focused on listening
rather than speaking and arguing with another person. I focus on understanding the
person’s problem and perception and then try to answer and solve their queries in a way
that they could easily understand. Since the incidence, my behaviour has been changed a
bit. Now, I try to make a record of things and always try to learn new things from every
incidence.
Due to my professional job, I have an opportunity to meet people with different background
and attitude. With the passing time, I have learnt to respect people with different
personalities and try to make effective communication with them. This has supported in
developing me as a more responsible individual.
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CONCLUSION
I am always keen to help my patients and improve their oral health knowledge. I have to talk
to patients, note their concerns, and advising and instructing them. The above reflection has
enabled me to assess my abilities to comply with my job role and responsibilities. Now, I am
more focused on supporting patients and performing my duties. This reflection is very useful
in improving my performance at the workplace as well as developing positive changes in my
behaviour and attitude.
7

REFERENCES
Driscoll, J. ed., 2006. Practising clinical supervision: A reflective approach for healthcare
professionals. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Driscoll, J., 1994. Reflective practice for practise. Senior Nurse, 14(1), p.47.
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