2021, issue 19

Dealing with challenging patients

Susan N'Jie
BySusan N'Jie
Published14 May 2021
Having the skills to effectively manage patient interactions - especially the more challenging ones - is a vital attribute for all dental professionals.

A patient in pain and discomfort or unable to complete treatment in their own timeline can quickly become demanding and difficult to deal with.

This page was correct at publication on 14/05/2021. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.

Susan N'Jie
DDU dento-legal adviser

Sue qualified from Guy's Hospital Dental School in 1986 and went into general dental practice in the UK. She spent two years in South Africa helping to set up dental practices in Johannesburg. After 20 years in general dental practice, she joined the Dental Law Partnership, advising on the clinical aspects of negligence claims. Sue joined the DDU in April 2011 and works as a full-time dento-legal adviser.

Dr Sarah Ide

Sarah Ide is one of the dento-legal advisers at the DDU. She qualified in 1992 from Guys and worked there as a house officer before entering general practice as a VT. Sarah worked in independent and private general practice for 25 years and completed an MSc in Aesthetic dentistry at King's. She's been working at the DDU for nine years, initially combining this work with general practice, and now working here full time.

Dealing with challenging patients