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 L-R: John Duthie, Elvira Lang-Anderson, Jodie Nelson

Speakers:

  • John Duthie, retired general dental practitioner with a special interest in patient hypnosis in dentistry
  • Elvira Lang-Anderson, clinical hypnosis educator
  • Jodie Nelson, 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 – register below.

It is 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 

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