Last week, members of the HUC dental team took part in a training session delivered by colleagues from Liverpool-based The Return Project, which focuses on behavioural motivation for patients accessing urgent dental care.
The training explored the barriers many patients face when accessing routine dental services and how these challenges often lead to repeated use of urgent care pathways. The Return Project aims to support patients to overcome anxiety, build confidence, and ultimately re-engage with regular dental care through improved communication, reassurance, and motivation.
For HUC, this approach aligns closely with our role in supporting patients through NHS 111 and urgent dental care services. By better understanding patient behaviours and anxieties, our teams can provide calmer, more empathetic conversations that help patients feel supported while also encouraging appropriate use of dental services.
Yasmin Allen, HUC’s Clinical Director for Dental Care, said: “We would like to thank The Return Project team for delivering such an engaging and thought-provoking session. The learning from this training will help inform how we continue to support patients accessing urgent dental care, with a focus on reassurance, clear communication, and long-term outcomes.”
The session was well received by attendees, who highlighted both the quality of the training and its potential impact:
“It was very insightful, particularly in showing how we can guide patients toward regular routine dental care, which is often delayed due to anxiety and cost. It also prompted useful reflection on how this approach could be applied in a phone triage setting.”
– Sharna Slatter
“The training was helpful and reinforced the importance of calm communication and reassurance when supporting anxious patients.”
– Liliana Boca
“It sounds extremely promising, particularly if we are able to find an effective way to implement it within the services we provide through 111. The evening was very enjoyable, and the presenters were well organised, clear, and effective in delivering the information.”
– Ionela Soltanel
“I attended The Return Project training focused on dental care. I really enjoyed learning about the barriers people face in accessing dental care services and how the project helps to support them to return to routine dental care.”
– Diana Calin
“The workshop was well-structured and addressed an important area of patient care. One of the strengths of the project was its focus on rebuilding trust and reducing barriers for patients who may have delayed care. Thank you for the effort and coordination put into this initiative. It is a valuable step toward improving patient continuity of care and overall oral health outcomes.”
– Mihaela Soltanel
I found the training really interesting and it was really well delivered by the RETURN project team! I’m looking forward to seeing how we can implement it with our patients.”
– Lucy Ogborn
A huge thank you to The Return Project team for delivering an engaging and insightful session.