Through the patient's eyes - the importance of person-centred care in oral cancer.

This opinion paper highlights the value which patients place on the delivery of a person-centred approach within dentistry. Excerpts from a qualitative interview are used to illustrate the level of importance afforded to the soft skills, as viewed through the eyes of a patient with experience of oral cancer. The role of the general dental practitioner in supporting patients with oral cancer is highlighted. Attention is drawn to the importance of the dentist-patient relationship and how this can support identification of risk; delivery of preventative advice; early detection and onward referral; and the provision of ongoing pastoral support. Continuity of care is identified as a key factor in delivering high quality person-centred care where the focus should be on the individual and not the disease.