Kindness key to inclusive health care

A simple display of kindness during a health care visit can make a big difference to a person’s entire health care experience.

These are the insightful and humble sentiments of Redcliffe Dental Clinic Senior Dentist Rick Harden.

“All of our clinicians and health support staff have to be responsive, respectful and culturally sensitive to our patients,” Dr Harden said.

“It is important to find common ground, make connections so you know what to say and what not to say.

“Ensuring we are communicating clearly, that patient’s concerns and fears are met are central to the role of a dentist and dental assistant.”

Rick, who has worked for Metro North Oral Health Service since 2018 and more recently the Redcliffe Dental Clinic, has supported hundreds of patients with his kind, culturally sensitive and compassionate approach.

We asked Moreton Bay resident Tarana Hadi about the specialist oral health care that she received at Redcliffe and the response was profound.

“As a Muslim woman who wears the hijab, I often find it difficult to access healthcare spaces where my faith and modesty are truly understood and respected,” Tarana said.

“What stood out most to me was Dr Harden, not only was he respectful of my modesty and boundaries, but he also took the time to ask me questions about how he could improve his approach when treating Muslim women.

“That level of humility and willingness to learn is something I rarely come across in health care — and it meant the world to me.

“It wasn’t just about dental care — it was about dignity, cultural respect and feeling truly human in the chair.

“If you’re a Muslim woman — or anyone looking for compassionate, culturally aware dental care — I cannot recommend Redcliffe Dental Clinic highly enough.

“They’ve set a new standard in what inclusive and respectful care should look like. May more healthcare providers follow in their footsteps.”