Human factors in dentistry: the ring of confidence

Maintaining confidence is vital to effective, safe practice. Lack of self-confidence or, arguably worse, over-confidence or arrogance cannot only result in harm but induce stress in colleagues and team members. Understanding the root causes of error can aid learning and a move away from the blame of self and others. Accepting and offering detailed factual, positive comments, as well as critical feedback, supports active learning.

This article applies to all who work in dentistry and oral surgery and aims to increase awareness of the importance of a balance of confidence in practice without the perils of under- or overconfidence, and the potential effects on performance of behaviour and clinical safety.

Confidence is crucial whatever we are doing, especially in a high-risk environment and task. This could be oral surgery or dentistry or, in my past profession, flying a Boeing 747. However, in a world of fallibility, how do we maintain a balance of confidence without slipping into the two significant dangers – depression or arrogance?