There’s something I’ve come to realise after years of working closely with dental practices, observing teams, and speaking with countless patients. It’s this: when we slow down, we communicate better. Much better.
I don’t mean slowing down just for the sake of being more thorough or ticking communication boxes. I’m talking about something deeper. Slowing down to connect. To truly understand. To be understood.
In a dental practice, we are conditioned to be efficient. There is always a lot to do, and it often feels like there is never quite enough time. The pressure to keep things moving, to stay on schedule, to juggle everything is real. But in the midst of that busyness, something vital can get lost: the human connection with our patients.
What I have found, both through personal experience and from observing team members in action, is that communication becomes far more powerful when we consciously slow down. That means slowing our speech, our body language, even our thoughts. Creating space in the interaction. Not rushing to get to the next thing, but really being with the patient in that moment.
It is in that stillness that you notice things you might otherwise miss. The flicker of uncertainty in a patient’s eyes. The moment they start to nod but don’t quite understand. The subtle tension in their posture. When you are rushing, those moments blur past. When you slow down, they become invitations to connect more deeply.
And it is not just about them understanding us. It is also about us understanding them. Slowing down gives us the chance to hear not just the words, but the emotion and intent behind the words. We can listen without interruption, respond with genuine care, and speak in a way that avoids jargon or rushed explanations.
I have walked away from these slower, more intentional conversations feeling like I have truly helped someone. Like they felt seen and heard, not just as a patient but as a person. And I have seen the relief in their faces too, that sense of “Ah, someone actually gets me.”
Of course, slowing down does not mean throwing efficiency out the window. It means redefining what efficiency looks like in the context of communication. Because when a patient really understands what is happening, feels safe and respected, and leaves with clarity and confidence, that saves time in the long run. Fewer misunderstandings. Fewer re-explanations. Fewer follow-ups are needed to clarify.
Next time you find yourself in a conversation with a patient, allow yourself a moment to pause. Speak gently, listen fully, and give the interaction the space it deserves. Let connection guide you, not the clock.
You might be surprised at how much more effective you become when you stop trying to be so efficient.