Head over heels

Love is in the air this February—not just in the romantic sense, but in the care and connection we show to our patients.

Dental nurses, you’re the beating heart of the practice. You could even say that you’re Cupid with a flat plastic in one hand and empathy in the other! While the focus is often on clinical excellence, it’s your ability to go above and beyond that turns good patient experiences into great ones. Here’s how you can sprinkle a little extra magic into every appointment, helping patients leave your chair with healthier teeth, brighter smiles, and perhaps even a little more love for their dental appointments.

It’s all about connection

For many patients, a trip to the dentist is fraught with anxiety, discomfort, or even fear. This is where dental nurses have the chance to shine. A warm greeting, a confident manner, a reassuring tone, and active listening can work wonders in calming nerves and building patient trust. Beyond a happy hello, ask questions that show genuine interest in the patient as a person. What’s their day been like so far? How’s their puppy doing since their last visit? Would you like to see pictures? Yes, please! These little details aren’t just conversation fillers but rapport-builders that make patients feel both valued and cared for.

Communication is key

Imagine being handed a Valentine’s Day card with no message inside. Not a single word. You’d be perplexed, wouldn’t you? It’s the same with patient communication. What you say (and how you say it) matters. Clear, confident explanations about procedures, aftercare, and expectations empower patients and reduce confusion. Uncertainty breeds fear, so be gentle but assertive in your manner, keeping the patient informed at every step. But don’t stop there. Your body language, tone, and eye contact can convey just as much as your words. Practice active empathy: nodding, listening to their concerns, validating their worries and responding with phrases like, “I completely understand; we’re going to make this as comfortable as possible for you, but if at any time you need us to stop, raise your hand.” It’s the dental equivalent of a dozen red roses – a simple gesture that means a great deal.



Going above and beyond

Sure, you’ve got your checklist of tasks: sterilising instruments, setting up trays, assisting with procedures, etc. But the difference between a good dental nurse and a great one is in the details. Anticipate needs before they arise. Is the dentist likely to need a specific tool? Is the patient fidgeting in a way that suggests discomfort? A quick adjustment of the chair or an offer of a rinse can show attentiveness and care. Let’s not forget the power of education. Teaching patients how to care for their oral health between visits doesn’t just improve outcomes. It strengthens your role as a trusted advisor in their dental journey, and it shows that you care about their long-term oral health.

Professionalism with Personality

Nobody wants their dental visit to feel like a rushed speed date with a drill. As you power through back-to-back appointments, it’s easy to become desensitised or even find routine visits a little dull. But for your patient, that same appointment might feel as nerve-wracking as a first date. Professionalism is non-negotiable, but you can pair it with a genuine human touch that truly sets the tone. Smile (yes, even behind that mask), keep a calm demeanour, and don’t be afraid to let your personality shine. A touch of humour, a warm compliment, or even a light-hearted joke can help calm your patient (it makes for a much nicer working environment for you as well).

The ripple effect of great dental nursing

Amazing patient care doesn’t just leave patients smiling—it makes waves throughout the whole practice. Happy patients mean glowing reviews, a steady stream of referrals, and a loyal client base that keeps coming back. Needless to say, that’s great for business (who doesn’t love being part of a standout practice?), but let’s not forget what it does for the team. When you show up with your A-game, you set the tone for a positive, supportive atmosphere that spreads like wildfire. Kindness is catching, and the energy you bring can positively shift the feel of the clinic.



Fall in love with your role

This Valentine’s season, don’t forget the power you have to spread the love. You’re not just an extra set of hands, but a key player in shaping how patients feel about their visits. With a little empathy, clear and confident communication, and a positive outlook, you can shift dentistry from something patients feel they need to endure to something they truly value and appreciate. How you show up determines how the patient experiences their appointment. So go ahead, spread the love. Your patients—and your practice—will thank you for it.

Rochelle Fisher is a dental nurse and the founder of Dental Assisting and Beyond.

Dental Assisting & Beyond