Applying the Verona coding definitions of emotional sequences (VR-CoDES) in the dental context involving patients with complex communication needs: An exploratory study.

•We applied the VR-CoDES to a dental context involving patients with complex communication needs.•Sixteen cues were reliably identified within seven of the 14 consultations.•Cue expression was exhibited by non-verbal expression of emotion with people with intellectual disabilities.•Further guidance is needed to improve the coding accuracy on multiple dental professionals’ responses.