Association for Dental Education in Europe

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LAURA: The Art of Meaningful Conversations in Dental Education

Thursday, 27th August 2026 - 13:20 to 13:50
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Timezone: 

Budapest (UTC+1 winter / UTC+2 summer)

Duration: 

30 Minute

Venue: 

Hall A

Session type: 
Type 1: Organised, planned and delivered by the ADEE
WELLdental Learning Series
Session synopsis: 

Effective leadership and education begin with effective communication.

This interactive 20-minute WELLdental Learning workshop introduces delegates to the LAURA communication framework: Listen, Acknowledge, Understand, Relate and Act. Designed for Deans, senior leaders and educators, the session provides a practical, structured approach to navigating conversations with colleagues, students and teams.

Through engaging discussion and real-world scenarios, participants will explore how active listening and empathetic communication can strengthen relationships, improve engagement, enhance psychological safety and support positive outcomes across dental education environments.

Delegates will leave with a simple yet powerful framework that can be immediately applied in leadership, teaching and mentoring conversations.

Our recommended reading list
  • Just Listen – Excellent practical techniques for building trust, reducing defensiveness and improving difficult conversations.
  • Crucial Conversations – A classic guide to handling high-stakes conversations when opinions differ and emotions run high.
  • The Coaching Habit – A simple framework for asking better questions and empowering others rather than jumping straight to solutions.
  • Never Split the Difference – Insights from hostage negotiation that translate surprisingly well into leadership, influence and active listening.
  • How to Win Friends and Influence People – Timeless principles on relationships, influence and communication.
  • The Chimp Paradox – Helps leaders understand emotional responses and communicate more effectively under pressure.
  • Radical Candor – A practical approach to giving feedback while maintaining strong relationships.
  • The Fearless Organization – Particularly relevant for Deans and senior leaders looking to create psychological safety within teams and learning environments.
Chair: 

Jackie Cooper

Partner
Cooper Transformations

Jackie Cooper is a highly regarded Cognitive Hypnotherapist and NLP Master Practitioner, boasting nearly three decades of invaluable experience within the dental industry. Starting her professional journey as a dental nurse almost 30 years ago, Jackie's innate drive for innovation propelled her into the commercial domain. Here, she dedicated her efforts to pioneering advancements in oral surgery outcomes, particularly through the implementation of cutting-edge laser technologies, which she taught and supported clinicians in utilising.

In the midst of her professional endeavours, Jackie's unwavering commitment to empowering individuals to reach their full potential led her to explore the transformative realms of cognitive hypnotherapy and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). Recognising the profound impact these modalities could have on enhancing lives, she made the courageous decision in 2020 to embark on a journey of requalification and specialisation.

Over the span of four years, Jackie immersed herself in rigorous study and practical training, refining her skills as a Cognitive Hypnotherapist and NLP Master Practitioner under the mentorship of esteemed professionals in the field. Her relentless dedication and steadfast pursuit of mastery culminated in her acquisition of certifications as a qualified master practitioner in both disciplines.

Today, Jackie Cooper stands as a symbol of transformation, seamlessly integrating her extensive background in dentistry with her expertise in cognitive reprogramming techniques. Operating her private practice, Jackie works closely with clients on a one-to-one basis, employing her skills to reframe old memories and alleviate unwanted trauma.

Furthermore, Jackie extends her impact through workshops covering a diverse range of topics, including trauma management, anxiety recognition, stress management, and the intricacies of the human mind. Through her unwavering dedication to personal growth and holistic well-being, Jackie continues to inspire positive change and facilitate profound transformations in the lives of those she serves.

Learning Outcomes: 

On completion delegates will:

  • Understand the five stages of the LAURA communication framework.
  • Develop skills to improve listening, empathy and connection in professional conversations.
  • Apply a structured communication approach to support students, colleagues and teams more effectively.