CGDent webinar, Wednesday 25 February 2026, 7pm
This webinar explores practical strategies and evidence-based guidance on using focused-attention and rapport techniques chairside to make a significant difference to patient comfort, confidence and perceived pain.
Speakers:
- John Duthie FCGDent, retired general dental practitioner with a special interest in patient hypnosis in dentistry
- Elvira Lang-Anderson, clinical hypnosis educator
- Jodie Nelson MCGDent, general dental practitioner and clinical hypnosis educator
Aims:
To introduce dental teams to practical communication and focused-attention techniques that reduce patient anxiety and discomfort, support clinical efficiency, and enhance confidence and wellbeing for both patients and practitioners.
Objectives:
During this webinar, you will be able to:
- Describe what procedural hypnosis is and how it differs from traditional hypnosis.
- Recognise how simple phrasing and tone adjustments can reduce patient anxiety and perceived pain during treatment.
- Identify ways to incorporate rapid rapport-building and focused attention cues into routine clinical workflows without extending appointment times.
- Support patients in using basic self hypnotic or relaxation techniques to enhance comfort, cooperation, and overall experience.
- Understand how to access further training to implement a whole team communication approach that contributes to a calmer, more efficient treatment environment.
Learning outcomes:
After completing this webinar, you will gain an understanding of:
- The key principles of procedural hypnosis and distinguish it from traditional hypnosis.
- Simple, supportive language and tone modulation techniques to help reduce patient anxiety, discomfort, and perceived pain.
- Rapid rapport building strategies and focused attention prompts into routine appointments without increasing overall treatment time.
- Basic self hypnosis or relaxation techniques to enhance comfort, cooperation, and their overall treatment experience.
CPD approx 45 minutes
GDC development outcomes: A C D
This webinar is hosted by the College of General Dentistry and powered by our CPD delivery partner, ProDental CPD – watch the recording below.
It was free to view live for all dental professionals, and College members also have free access to the recorded webinar and can claim CPD hours for free. A £20 fee will apply for non-members who wish to claim CPD.
Membership of the College of General Dentistry is open to all registered dental professionals. Membership is available from £135 for dentists, £45 for dental nurses and £91 for other registered dental professionals. The full list of CGDent membership rates is here
Jodie Nelson, John Duthie and Elvira Lang-Anderson co-authored a paper in the general dentistry 50th issue of Primary Dental Journal, entitled ‘Procedural hypnosis: a powerful tool for reducing stress, anxiety and pain in clinical dental care‘, published in May 2025.
