Final answer:
The best response for the dental assistant to show empathy when a patient tells them they are in pain is to acknowledge the patient's pain and express understanding. The dental assistant can ask follow-up questions and offer reassurance to the patient.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best response for the dental assistant to show empathy when a patient tells them they are in pain is to acknowledge the patient's pain and express understanding. The dental assistant can say something like, "I'm so sorry to hear that you're in pain. I understand how uncomfortable that can be." This response shows empathy by validating the patient's feelings and letting them know they are being heard and understood.
The dental assistant can also ask follow-up questions to gather more information about the pain, such as where it is located and how long it has been going on. This shows that the dental assistant is genuinely interested in helping the patient and finding a solution to their pain.Additionally, the dental assistant can offer reassurance to the patient by explaining that they will do their best to alleviate the pain and provide necessary treatment. This can help the patient feel more at ease and trust that they are in good hands.