We commend Aiman et al. for their insightful article, which highlights the relevance of patient-centred communication and behaviour change strategies at a time when effective patient engagement is as crucial as technical skill in dental care.1

Dentistry has made significant advancements in clinical techniques and digital technologies, but communication training remains undervalued in both education and practice. Research consistently shows that patients who feel heard and actively involved in decision-making are more likely to adhere to preventive and therapeutic recommendations.1,2 Yet, many dentists rely on a traditional, clinician-driven approach, assuming that information alone leads to behaviour change, even though evidence suggests that how information is conveyed often plays a more significant role than the information itself.1,3

Despite its clear benefits on patient compliance, dental anxiety reduction, and overall treatment success, structured communication training, including motivational interviewing (MI), is inconsistently integrated into dental education.1 There is a pressing need for systematic training in patient engagement and behaviour change techniques to ensure that future dental professionals can effectively communicate with and motivate their patients.

To enhance patient communication in dentistry, dental schools must integrate longitudinal training that includes role-playing, simulated patient interactions, and structured feedback to provide students with hands-on experience. Competency-based assessment should be introduced to ensure communication skills are evaluated alongside clinical proficiency. Beyond undergraduate training, continuing professional development programmes should incorporate evidence-based MI training, particularly for improving patient motivation in oral hygiene, smoking cessation, and caries prevention. MI should not be limited to dentists alone but should be recognised as a clinical skill for the entire oral healthcare team, fostering a cohesive, patient-centred approach.

The Dental Non-Technical Skills (DeNTS)-style framework could further help define essential competencies in patient interaction, shared decision-making, and behavioural change techniques, ensuring that communication training becomes an integral part of dental education and practice.4

AI may assist in diagnosis, but human-centred communication remains irreplaceable. In a profession where trust and rapport directly influence patient outcomes, ensuring that every interaction is meaningful and effective must be a priority. Integrating structured, evidence-based communication training into dental education and practice is no longer optional, it is essential. To truly elevate patient care, the next generation of dentists must be equipped not only with clinical expertise but also with the ability to build trust and foster meaningful patient relationships.