Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to identify, assess, and manage one’s own emotions, as well as those of others. Within the dental profession, EI skills are essential for dentists to possess in order to build trust with patients and create a positive, successful patient experience.

Dentists must have strong EI skills to be able to read the patient’s emotions, which could be a mix of fear, anxiety, and even pain. Being able to understand a patient’s feelings can help dentists create a calming experience for their patients and work towards the best treatment in a shorter amount of time.

Moreover, having a good EI can help dentists to be good communicators, by listening to and understanding how the patient describes their issue and then accurately using their own words to explain their diagnosis and treatment plan. Good communication between dentist and patient can build trust and enhance the patient-dentist relationship which is mutually beneficial.

Dr. Muruga who holds Masters in Psychology as well as a Certified Emotional Intelligence Trainer strongly recommends that Dentist and their Team in the Dental Clinic should acquire a good understanding of Emotional Intelligence and then evaluate their gaps in ensuring their patients have a good Dental Experience and avoid dissatisfaction or disgruntled patients. He believes that with the digital transformation and applications in the Dental clinic is making Dentist and their team less sensitive to their patients needs as a person and this is not good for building healthy practice. Emotional Intelligence (EI) can be learnt and acquired and is essential in any interaction between 2 or more people l.