Dentist-Patient Communication in the Multilingual Dental Setting

Objectives: Communication between dentists and patients can be exceptionally challenging when the patient and the dentist do not speak the same language, as is frequently the case in multicultural Australia. The aims of this study were to describe the issues involved in dealing with limited-English speaking patients in order to formulate recommendations on how to improve dental communication. Methods: A cross sectional study was performed using a postal survey to ADA member dental practitioners in Western Australia. Responses were collated and data analysis was performed using SPSS 11.5 for Windows. Results: Most respondents encounter language related communication barriers weekly or monthly, and the most satisfactory method of communication is informal interpreters. Despite reporting satisfaction working with professional chairside interpreters or dental staff interpreters, most respondents did not use them. The most common alternative communication methods were diagrams and models. Endodontic and periodontic treatment provided the greatest challenge in communication. Informed consent was reportedly compromised due to language barriers by 29% of respondents. Recommendations to improve communication included access to interpretation services, dentist technique/attitude to communication and patient preparedness for English-speaking encounters. Conclusions: Many respondents do not utilise the preferred professional communication methods, creating a potential compromise to both informed consent and the patient’s best interests. The use of professional interpreters is recommended, and communication should be supplemented with non verbal communication. Dentists require access to lists of multilingual dentists and greater awareness of interpretation services to improve multilingual dentist-patient communication. The research was sponsored by the Australian Dental Research Association Undergraduate Summer Vacation Research Grant 2003/2004.