The Power of a Handshake: Why Human Connection Still Matters in Dentistry

By Olivia Wann

In a world filled with emails, text messages, video meetings, and social media, there is one simple gesture that continues to leave a lasting impression—a handshake.

Recently I was travelling to the Association of Dental Safety annual conference. A large group of us made reservations at a nearby restaurant.  The waitress was running frantically attending to everyone’s request. She went the extra mile assuring that everyone was taken care of in her seating area. On leaving, I extended my hand to shake hers. Initially she appeared shocked. “Why is this businesswoman shaking my hand?” she probably thought. And then her face glowed with a large smile as I thanked her for working hard to make our dinner amazing. I treated her with the same level of respect as I would another professional.

I always shake the hand of my Uber driver and thank them for getting me to my destination safely. One of the drivers remarked that he deals with people from all over the world, but not many that took the time to shake his hand.

Do you introduce yourself to your new patient?  Does it include a handshake?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, handshakes virtually disappeared. We became accustomed to waving from a distance, bumping elbows, or avoiding physical contact altogether. While those precautions served an important purpose during a public health crisis, many people never returned to one of the oldest forms of greeting.

Perhaps it’s time we did.

A firm handshake accompanied by eye contact and a genuine smile communicates something technology never can. It says, “I’m happy to meet you. You have my full attention.” It establishes trust, confidence, and respect in just a few seconds.

Whether you are welcoming a new patient, interviewing a job candidate, or introducing yourself at a networking event with other dental professionals, personal interaction matters. People may forget what was said during a conversation, but they often remember how they felt. A warm greeting can make someone feel valued before a single word is spoken.

The dental and legal professions are built on relationships. Clients and patients are often experiencing uncertainty or stress. They want to know they are more than a file, a chart, or a case number. A handshake—when appropriate—helps bridge that gap and reminds people they are interacting with another human being who genuinely cares.

Of course, good hand hygiene remains important.  Most dental offices have hand sanitizer located throughout the dental office.  We are all well versed in how to wash our hands properly.  I have hand sanitizer in my office, in my purse and in my car. These simple precautions allow us to enjoy the benefits of personal connection while remaining mindful of health and safety.

As our society becomes increasingly digital and artificial intelligence handles more routine tasks, authentic human interaction becomes even more valuable. No software can replace empathy, kindness, or the confidence conveyed through a sincere greeting.

So the next time you meet someone, don’t underestimate the impact of extending your hand. That brief moment of connection may be the beginning of a trusted relationship, a lifelong client, a meaningful friendship, or simply someone’s brighter day.

Sometimes the most powerful communication requires no words at all.