Vaibhav Dhariwal*
Background: Effective communication is integral to the delivery of high-quality patient care in dental hospitals. Understanding communication dynamics among dental healthcare professionals and its impact on patient outcomes is crucial for optimizing healthcare delivery. This study explores the perceptions of dentists regarding communication in various organizational cultures and its influence on patient care. Aim: The aim of this research is to assess communication dynamics among dental healthcare professionals, considering organizational culture variations, and to examine its implications for patient care in dental hospitals. The study specifically investigates dentists' comfort levels, communication frequency, recognition and response and the perceived emphasis on communication within different organizational cultures. Method: Utilizing a Likert scale survey, data were collected from a diverse sample of dental healthcare professionals, including representatives from government, trust, private and corporate dental hospitals. Organizational cultures were categorized as collaborative, competitive, control and creative. Statistical analyses were employed to examine dentists' perceptions of communication dynamics and its association with patient care. Results: Findings reveal that organizational culture significantly influences dentists' communication patterns. Hospitals with collaborative and creative cultures exhibit higher communication frequency and comfort levels among dental professionals. Dentists in collaborative cultures report better recognition and response to their communication. However, dentists across all cultures recognize the negative impact of communication breakdowns on patient care. This research underscores the critical role of effective communication in dental hospitals and its profound impact on patient care. Collaborative and creative cultures are associated with positive communication outcomes, including increased frequency, comfort and better recognition. Recognizing and addressing communication barriers are imperative to enhance patient care outcomes. Understanding these dynamics provides actionable insights for fostering a supportive communication environment, ultimately contributing to improved patient care in dental healthcare settings.
Published Date: 2025-01-13; Received Date: 2023-12-15
