[The deaf patient--information for a barrier-free conversation with patients in dentistry]
PubMed ID
19785248
Abstract
There are about 650,000 people with hearing problems in Switzerland, 10,000 of whom use sign language. About 100,000 people are hard of hearing. Deaf patients require special treatment in the dental office as they have specific communication needs. This community, like many other minority groups, has a sign language and a culture of its own. To prevent misunderstandings it is therefore very important to provide solutions for an enhanced communication. However, guidelines for the communication with deaf dental patients are still missing. Successful communication between deaf patients and dentist is essential for effective care. This paper is concerned with providing background information and introducing recommendations for unrestricted dentist-patient communication. The aim of this article is to improve dentists' knowledge of the appropriate communication with this patient group.
Date Issued
2009
Publication Type
Article
Language(s)
en
Additional Credits
Journal
Schweizerische Monatsschrift für Zahnmedizin
Publisher
Schweizerische Zahnärzte-Gesellschaft
ISSN
0256-2855
Access(Rights)
metadata.only