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Communicating with Patients with Special Health Care Needs
Kimberly M Espinoza1, Lisa J Heaton2
1Dental Education in the Care of Persons with Disabilities Program, Department of Oral Medicine, University of Washington School of Dentistry, 1959 Northeast Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
Abstract:
People with special health care needs (PSHCN) often have difficulty communicating with providers in health care settings, including dental practices. This difficulty can affect access to care as well as the quality of care received. This article provides practical tips and tools dental professionals can use to facilitate communication for a diverse population of PSHCNs. The article discusses communication needs of patients with communication disorders; augmentative and alternative communication; and communication for patients with intellectual disability, psychiatric conditions; and dental fears. Examples are given of communication breakdowns, and descriptions of how communication challenges can be resolved.
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