Patient-provider communication during consultations for elective dental procedures: A scoping review

Introduction: Patient-provider communication (PPC) is a critical component of patient-centered care. Original studies have examined specific factors related to PPC during consultations for elective dental procedures, but this evidence has yet to be comprehensively summarized. This scoping review aimed to understand better the extent and depth of the available literature regarding factors that influence PPC during consultations for elective dental procedures.

Methods: The authors considered electronically available, English-language, original research published since 1990 assessing communication during consultations for elective dental procedures. Four electronic databases, Google Scholar, and reference lists of inclusions were searched until August 2023. No quality assessment was completed. Two independent researchers assessed article eligibility. Data were charted with a narrative review approach.

Results: A total of 37 studies were included. The most popular discipline studied was orthodontics. Prospective cohorts and cross-sectional were the most common study designs. Information recall, patient satisfaction, and patient comprehension were the most common outcome measures. Most studies employed questionnaires, surveys, or interviews for data collection. Nineteen factors related to PPC during elective dental consultations were identified and categorized into information delivery (4), patient-related (9), and provider-related factors (6).

Conclusions: This scoping review is the first to present a list of evidence-supported factors related to PPC in elective dental consultations. Identifying these factors is an important first step to better understanding their influence on PPC and designing interventions targeting those that may be modifiable. PPC during elective dental consultations is a dynamic, ongoing process. Several recommendations emerged that may help improve PPC, including appropriate information delivery, patient engagement, providing adequate time, and educating ourselves on approaches to PPC.