Patient communication and ethical considerations
Location
Speaker
Dr Zuhair Natto
Dr. Zuhair Natto is an Associate Professor at King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia, and a Visiting Assistant Professor at Harvard School of Dental Medicine and Tufts School of Dental Medicine, USA. He is a Consultant of Periodontology, Implant Dentistry, and Dental Public Health, as well as a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, and the American Board of Implant Dentistry. He holds four master’s degrees in business administration, biostatistics, clinical trial, and molecular genetics and microbiology. He was awarded a doctorate in epidemiology. Dr. Natto has published more than 85 articles, book chapters, and patents. He received over 65 awards from various countries including the United States, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Egypt, Algeria, and Saudi Arabia. He presented several workshops, courses, lectures, and posters nationally and internationally regarding periodontology and public health.
Organizer
Abstract :
Effective patient communication is a cornerstone of quality dental care, ensuring that patients are well-informed, comfortable, and engaged in their treatment decisions. Ethical considerations in patient interactions guide dentists in maintaining professionalism, building trust, and respecting patient autonomy. This seminar explores key communication strategies, the role of informed consent, handling difficult conversations, and addressing ethical dilemmas in clinical practice. We will discuss real-world case scenarios, emphasizing best practices in ethical decision-making and patient-centered care. By mastering these skills, dentists can improve patient satisfaction, adherence to treatment, and overall oral health outcomes.
Learning Objectives :
- Understand the principles of effective patient communication and apply them to enhance patient trust and compliance.
- Handle difficult patient interactions and ethical dilemmas using structured decision-making models.
- Recognize the impact of cultural sensitivity and empathy in building strong dentist-patient relationships.
- Identify key ethical considerations in dental practice, including patient autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice.
- Navigate informed consent processes by clearly explaining treatment options, risks, and benefits to patients.