Empathy in the face of uncertainty: A hygienist's guide to difficult conversations

Dental hygienists are frontline guardians of oral health, positioned to identify subtle changes that could point to larger health issues, including oral cancer. Let's emphasize our diagnostic abilities and crucial role in providing compassionate support to patients facing life-altering diagnoses. This requires a combination of clinical expertise, deep empathy, and a commitment to understanding a patient’s emotional journey.

Imagine this scenario: during a routine appointment, you notice a white patch, a nonhealing ulcer, or a suspicious lump in a patient's mouth. These findings can be alarming for you and your patient. While many oral lesions are benign, the possibility of something more serious looms large. In this moment, your choice of words and demeanor can profoundly impact the patient's experience.^1,2

Understand empathy, sympathy, and compassion

In health care, it’s crucial to understand the distinctions between empathy, sympathy, and compassion. While there's no single definition of empathy, it's generally understood as the ability to grasp another person's emotions and perspective.³ Sympathy involves feeling concern or pity for someone's hardship. Compassion takes it further, combining these feelings with a desire to actively help. In essence, empathy is about understanding, sympathy is about feeling, and compassion is about acting.4

Empathy as the foundation

Before launching into explanations or referrals with the patient, acknowledge their emotions. A simple phrase such as, "I understand this may be concerning," or "It's OK to feel worried" can make a big difference. Remember, they may be experiencing shock, fear, or denial. By showing empathy, you create a safe space for them to process their reactions.⁵ 

Clarity and compassion

Avoid minimizing the situation or using technical jargon. Explain your findings in clear, relatable terms. Let the patient know that they need further evaluation with an oral pathologist. This doesn’t necessarily mean a malignancy, but it’s the most responsible step to rule out serious concerns.

Allow for processing and support

Even when you carefully explain things, a patient might feel overwhelmed. Give them time and space to process the information, and then ask questions later. Let them know you're available to address further concerns after the initial shock wears off. Avoid rushing them into decisions or minimizing their worry.

Your support becomes even more critical if the oral pathologist confirms oral cancer. Continue to offer empathy, validate their emotions, and connect them with informational and support resources. Empowering them with knowledge while offering emotional support can significantly improve their ability to cope with the challenges ahead.

The lasting impact of your care

Your sensitivity, empathy, and support throughout the diagnostic process can significantly impact the patient's journey. Treating them with compassion and understanding makes you an invaluable ally during a frightening and vulnerable time.

Remember, compassion means offering help and support rooted in an emotional bond. It's about genuinely caring for the person in front of you. Genuine acceptance means seeing and embracing the individual without preconceived ideas or stereotypes while creating an environment of trust and understanding.⁶ It means respecting the patient's decisions about their oral health and understanding their fears, even when they're afraid of hearing an unfavorable diagnosis.⁷ 

Author’s note: While models such as ABCDE and SPIKES provide guidance for delivering difficult news, I focused on a compassion-empathy approach because dental hygienists are not typically the providers responsible for breaking bad news. Hopefully, this will better equip hygienists to support patients after difficult news.

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