---
title: "What Is Patient communication? Dental Practice Glossary"
description: "Patient communication is how a practice explains diagnoses, options, fees and next steps to patients, in person, by phone, in writing and online."
url: https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/patient-communication
publisher: Copeland Consulting Services
email: drcopeland@joncopelanddds.com
contact: https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact
---

Practice management

# Patient communication

Patient communication is how a practice explains diagnoses, options, fees and next steps to patients, in person, by phone, in writing and online.

CDC's health literacy program states that plain language makes it easier for everyone to understand and use health information. For a dental office that means explaining findings, risks, options and costs in words patients know, and checking that they understood. Good communication supports a clear [case presentation](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/case-presentation), valid [informed consent](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/informed-consent) and a better [patient experience](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/patient-experience). It also includes written materials, reminders, billing statements and the practice website. The ADA's resources on patient relations and case presentation cover several of these areas. Written policies, such as a cancellation policy, work well when patients can read and understand them.

[Next stepPractice consulting with Dr. Copeland](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact?topic=consulting)

## Related terms

-   [Case presentation](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/case-presentation)
-   [Informed consent](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/informed-consent)
-   [Patient experience](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/patient-experience)
-   [Cancellation policy](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/cancellation-policy)

## Sources

1.  [CDC, Plain Language Materials & Resources](https://www.cdc.gov/health-literacy/php/develop-materials/plain-language.html)

## Talk with Dr. Copeland

[Contact Dr. Copeland](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact)[Email](mailto:drcopeland@joncopelanddds.com)