Avoiding Stereotypes, Bias and Assumptions

Stereotypes reduce a person to a label. In dental practice, teams may assume things about pain tolerance, oral hygiene, attendance, cost, family involvement, language, diet, anxiety, disability or willingness to accept treatment. Even well-intentioned assumptions can prevent staff from asking the patient what they actually need.

Bias affects assessment and care planning. If a team assumes a patient "will not comply", "will not understand", "always brings family", "does not care about oral health" or "is exaggerating pain", the conversation becomes narrower and may be less respectful.

Common assumptions to avoid

• "People from that background always..."
• "Older patients do not want detailed explanations."
• "They missed appointments because they do not value dental care."
• "Their family can interpret; that will be quicker."
• "They seem confident, so they do not need extra support."

Cultural competence means moving from assumption to enquiry. Ask what this patient needs to understand, decide and receive care safely.

Bias and records

Stereotypes replace individual care with guesses. Cultural competence means spotting assumptions and returning to the person in front of you.