Counselling and communication in hospital dentistry.

Many of the people who are members of hospital dental teams are highly motivated, caring individuals. Unfortunately, though, they are not given the kind of training or support that is necessary to enable them to perform their tasks most effectively. This study was initiated at a hospital dental clinic where burdensome cutbacks and reorganization had been keenly felt by the personnel. A counselling group was formed under the leadership of a professional counsellor, and in the course of the year there were seven meetings, each of which lasted 1.5-2 hours. The open way in which counselling was designed presented opportunities for the six group members to influence the topics of each meeting, something all of them preferred to more structured sessions. Different stress factors in the environment were discussed. The group members concluded that the counselling programme had increased their self-esteem and facilitated effective communication between the group and patients by giving them all the opportunity to discuss barriers and confusing clinical situations. Counselling had also facilitated interpersonal relationships between the team members by revealing hierarchical difficulties. Apart from the clear humanitarian need for counselling there is a good economic argument. Effective staff support is not a luxury, nor is it a waste of time. Adequate time for counselling must be provided, simply.