Patient Communication: A Key Skill for International Dentists Transitioning to Dental Hygiene.
- Lauren
- Oct 25, 2025
- 1 min read

Effective communication is one of the top skills recruiters and dentists look for when hiring dental hygienists. Yet, one of the most consistent challenges I’ve observed over the years—among both internationally trained dentists and American-trained hygienists—is the ability to clearly and
confidently communicate patient health concerns and treatment recommendations.
For internationally trained dentists, this can create a major disadvantage during the job search. In the interviews I conducted, I often met candidates who were highly capable and experienced, but had not yet mastered the patient communication methods necessary for the role. Many international dentists with years of clinical experience assume that their background will be the most important factor on their résumé. However, the reality is that your ability to build and manage patient relationships through effective communication is often more valuable in the dental hygiene role than the number of years you’ve spent practicing dentistry.
At Florida RDH Pathway, we provide personalized communication coaching for international dentists to help them get hired faster and thrive in their new role!
Here are some of the communication skills for international dentists that we cover:
Building trust with patients
Developing the verbiage that leads to success
Strengthening confidence in treatment recommendations
And more
Our goal is to help you communicate with clarity and confidence so you can land the job you want and take your career to the next level.


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