Pause, Breathe, Think: A Guide to Mindful Communication in Dentistry
In our fast-paced, high-pressure profession, communication—whether face-to-face or digital—can make or break our relationships with colleagues, patients, and even ourselves. Social media and email have revolutionised how we connect, but they’ve also amplified misunderstandings, frustrations, and the fear of being judged.
The wisdom of mindful communication lies in the space between stimulus and response. As Viktor Frankl so beautifully observed, “Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space lies our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”
Let’s explore how to create that space and communicate wisely, whether in person or online.
In-person conversations allow us to pick up on tone, body language, and facial expressions—elements that are often lost in digital interactions. Yet even here, emotions can run high, and responses can be reactive rather than thoughtful.
Before replying to a challenging comment or question, take a moment to pause, breathe, and think. Consider:
- Is it true? What is the fact behind what’s being said?
- Is it helpful? Does your response build understanding or add value?
- Is it inspiring? Could your words uplift or motivate?
- Is it necessary? Do you need to respond, or is silence more appropriate?
- Is it kind? Does your reply reflect empathy and respect?
Pausing allows you to step back and ensure that your words align with your intention. If emotions are running particularly high, excuse yourself for a moment to compose your thoughts.
Digital Messages: Think Before You Send
Social media and email bring their own challenges. Without vocal tone or visual cues, even the most neutral comments can be misinterpreted. The instant nature of these platforms also tempts us to fire off responses without sufficient thought.
Here are some strategies for mindful digital communication:
- Write, Pause, Review: Type out your message but don’t send it immediately. Take a break, walk away, and revisit it with fresh eyes. You may find that some points don’t need to be included, or that the message could be softened.
- Consider Silence: Sometimes, the most powerful response is no response at all. As the saying goes, “Never wrestle with a pig. You’ll both get dirty, and the pig likes it.” If a comment or email is intended to provoke, engaging may only escalate the situation.
- Ask: Would I Say This in Person? If your message feels harsher or more direct than something you’d say face-to-face, consider rephrasing. Digital platforms often embolden us, but it’s wise to apply the same kindness and care as in real-life conversations.
A Reflection on Fear and Distrust
As dental professionals, many of us have observed a growing atmosphere of fear and distrust within our field. Social media, while a valuable tool for learning and networking, can contribute to this. Anonymous posts often highlight concerns about judgement, and misunderstandings can escalate quickly. We don’tknow what has happened before so the contributer feels they can’t post openly.
This culture of fear can be particularly harmful for newer graduates, who may already feel underprepared due to less clinical experience or non-clinical training compared to previous generations. In the past the VT year was spent exploring the non clinical aspects of being a dentist, now it is clinical catch up and the nuances and essential non-clinical element are being overlloked at best, lost at worst. As experienced practitioners, we have the opportunity—and responsibility—to support our peers with empathy and guidance, not criticism. Let’s all treat others as we would wish to be treated in their shoes.
The Role of Wisdom in Communication
Whether face-to-face or digital, wisdom lies in choosing responses that reflect our values, build connections, and encourage mutual understanding. By pausing, breathing, and thinking, we create space to choose growth over reactivity.
In our profession, communication is as much a skill as any clinical technique. Let’s strive to use it wisely, to foster trust and respect, and to create a culture of support and kindness within dentistry. Let’s also create spaces to communicate face to face, going back to in person meetings rather than hiding behind the convenient screen and online training. You would always learn more in the bar after a full days training than you ever did during the lecture, after all it is learning and growth that we seek not CPD points?
What strategies do you use to pause and reflect before responding? Share your thoughts—we can all learn from each other.
