Final answer:
The dental assistant should acknowledge the patient's concerns and offer solutions to manage the cost of treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best response for the dental assistant to show empathy towards a patient upset about the cost of their treatment is to acknowledge their concerns and validate their feelings. The dental assistant can say something like, 'I understand that the cost of your treatment can be overwhelming. It's important to prioritize your dental health, so let's explore some options to make it more affordable, such as discussing payment plans or insurance coverage.'
By acknowledging the patient's concerns and offering solutions, the dental assistant shows empathy and demonstrates their willingness to help the patient find a way to manage the cost of treatment.