5 Expert Tips for Calming Angry Patients and Resolving Conflicts

Handling a difficult situation that involves an angry or upset patient is a reality that most, if not all, dental professionals will face or have faced at least once in their careers.   How individuals respond and resolve the issue is just as important as the issue itself, if not more so; the approach taken by the Doctor or Team Member and the way in which the situation is dealt with can make the difference between a satisfactory and resolved outcome versus the abrupt end of a compromised patient-provider relationship.

Additionally, 69% of clinics say they have less time to spend helping patients because the staff is occupied with other tasks, which can lead to even angrier patients, (for more insights on patient communication, see this ebook about the future of dental patient communication).

Despite attempts to de-escalate a hostile situation, emotions sometimes threaten to take over. Being prepared with an approach in mind, or at least being aware of how to deal with such scenarios, can be helpful to mitigate tensions that are inherent in these types of situations.

Do’s and Don’t’s for Calming Angry Patients

1. Stop, focus, and use your best listening skills

2. Remain calm and commit to keeping your cool

3. Sympathize and acknowledge the anger

4. Apologize

5. Look for a solution

Where to speak with the angry patient?

If a patient is noticeably irate and is causing a disruption to the provision of services to other patients, try asking the patient to see if they would accompany you to a more private setting such as the counseling room or an office. Doing so may help further calm the patient down, as this shows a sincere interest in speaking with the patient and that he or she will receive your full attention.

At the same time, however, be vigilant and judge the situation appropriately; never attempt to defuse an angry patient who could be dangerous (e.g., verbally, or physically abusive) by yourself or place yourself in a situation where you would be alone with him/her. Instead, ask a colleague to join the discussion. If you find that the patient is becoming progressively hostile or threatening as the discussion goes on, do not hesitate to call in help.  In anticipation of such a potential situation that may arise, it may be helpful for you and your staff to come up with a secret code or phrase that signals other members of the team to call for help.

Take proactive steps to prevent a recurrence

Although not directly related to defusing an angry patient, taking steps to prevent a similar occurrence in the future is an important consideration. If possible or if applicable, steps should be taken to address any underlying issues that may contribute to a patient’s anger.

The above considerations can be included in staff training and orientation. A proactive approach can include taking measures such as meeting and discussing with staff to tackle the issue, making improvements to a process, or seeking clarification and documentation to prevent the same situation from happening again. This may include being sure all the patients’ expectations are discussed, and practice protocols are explained.  This may also mean that the decision not to proceed with care may be appropriate for the patient and the practice. As difficult and frustrating as this encounter may be to the provider and to staff members, this is also a valuable learning opportunity to re-evaluate your office systems and make improvements to ensure that the service being provided to your patients is the best it can be.

Taking the time during the initial consultation, examination, and treatment discussion will save a lot of misunderstandings following treatment.  This is also true of having clear discussions regarding financial considerations including insurance involvement, patient obligation, and ultimate responsibility in payment of treatment.  Having a letter of understanding to patients about insurance and financial obligation would stave off a potentially bitter conversation following care.  

De-escalating an intense situation with a patient is not an easy task; however, with a calm and considered approach, it can be less daunting. Consulting with fellow colleagues and coworkers on what they would do in such a situation, or what they have done in the past, can be helpful to glean different perspectives and ideas to better handle these challenging encounters.  Schedule time during Team Meetings to discuss how certain situations will be handled to increase confidence and comfort in de-escalating angry patients.