Breaking bad news: a guide for dental healthcare professionals.

During their professional career most dental practitioners will be faced with a situation in which they have to break 'bad news'. This article examines the communication skills involved in breaking bad news to patients. The process is broken down into three broad stages: preparation; discussing the information; and reviewing the situation. Within each of these stages specific and practical recommendations are given. The importance of recognising the impact which such interactions have upon the dental practitioner is emphasised.