ABSTRACT
Real consultation involves a shift of power. Until dental practitioners are ready for that, any patient involvement in decision making will be a token event. The emphasis on a ‘patient-centred’ service is therefore entirely consistent with the business objectives of a customer-focused practice. The general consensus is that patient involvement in decision making is a good thing, but general dental practitioners (GDP) will be aware of situations that can arise when patient empowerment in clinical decision making causes ethical conflict. GDPs must assess and develop the communication skills of all members of the team if patients are to become involved in a meaningful way. Patients have described what they understand by communication skills through a questionnaire. The Focus Award scheme is a joint initiative by the Department of Health and the British Dental Association, and reflects the current thinking on meaningful patient involvement.
