How to coach your patients: Learn five practical steps to apply in your daily practice

Contributors: Dr Natalie Yates-Bolton, Eleonóra Barcziová

By mastering techniques such as active listening, asking the right questions, and fostering patient collaboration, oral health professionals can move beyond simply giving instructions to empowering patients to take an active role in their oral health.

Dr Natalie Yates-Bolton, a healthcare professional with years of experience in teaching and communication, had a passing interest in coaching at first. With a PhD and expertise in healthcare, she felt quite confident in her communication skills. However, when she signed up for a coaching program, she quickly realised that coaching was more than just an approach to communication; it was a complete mindset and behavioural shift.

She soon discovered that instead of immediately giving instructions to patients, it is much more powerful to embrace silence. In fact, one of the most powerful shifts for her was learning to stay quiet, and acknowledge the person's feelings and perspectives. As she says, sometimes she had to literally sit on her hands to remind herself to pause, giving the individual the time they needed to think through their responses.

This and many other discoveries did not just transform Dr Yates-Bolton's professional life; it also had a huge impact on her personal interactions. Despite her extensive background, she considers the coaching program to be one of the most powerful learning experiences of her career.

Integrating coaching techniques into daily practice can be equally transformative for dental professionals. While the pressures of time and patient volume are real, Dr Yates-Bolton highlights that “By taking the time upfront to truly engage with patients, listen, and empower them to make informed decisions, the outcomes are not only more fulfilling for both parties but can ultimately lead to a more efficient and effective practice.”

What is coaching

“Coaching in healthcare supports patients in making informed decisions and taking responsibility for their health through meaningful conversations.”