Speaker: Dr. Tien Jiang

Abstract: Minimally invasive dentistry. Laser therapy. Immediate implants in the anterior zone. Digitally designed full-mouth rehabilitation. These are some of the buzz words swirling around today’s dental world. Oral health providers must learn constantly to provide the highest level of evidence-based care for our patients. Though advances in dental techniques and technology have been impressive, one area that lags far behind is patient education. In the age of social media, the dental team is constantly faced with dispelling misinformation and false advertising. This combined with dental anxiety and existing mistrust create constant communication barriers between patients and dental providers. Simple and concise patient education tools in the dental setting can combat these factors and potentially improve patient outcomes. We need to step back and make modern dentistry approachable. Whether you give or receive care, this session will make you rethink how you engage with oral health information. You will learn how to revitalize patient education by applying simple concepts of readability, plain language, and communication techniques.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explain readability in the context of patient communication and oral health education.
2. Define plain language and prepare an example of using it for your next written/spoken communication.
3. Identify at least three communication techniques from the American Medical Association that will improve patient understanding.

Tuition: Free, non-credit webinar
Course Prerequisites: None required 
Course Format: Virtual Lecture
Conflict of Interest: None reported by speaker
Contact: Caitlin Laughlin at caitlin_laughlin@hsdm.harvard.edu

REGISTER HERE!