Pedagogy/Andragogy

Student doctor translators: innovative approach to bridging the language divide

Monday, March 13, 2023

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM PST

Location: OCC - C123, Level 1

CE: 1

Micro-Credential: Promoting an Inclusive and Humanistic Learning Environment

Presenter(s)

Romana Muller, RDH, MSDH, Ed.D

A.T. Still University Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health

PDF Handouts
Ahmed Zarrough, B.D.S., D.D.S., D.Sc.

A.T. Still University Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health
SD

Svyatoslav Danylyk, DMD candidate

A.T. Still University Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health

Today’s ethnically diverse population benefits from linguistically competent dental care. Historically, dental professionals have experienced limited access to printed materials in languages spoken by members of the communities they serve. It is known that language barriers can have a negative impact on dental care delivery and health outcomes. An innovative program utilizing the linguistic talents of bilingual dental students was developed and piloted in ATSU’s Missouri School of Dentistry and Oral Health’s dental clinic. The presenters will describe the program and its effectiveness. Participants will learn strategies they can use in the provision of linguistically appropriate verbal and written communication.

Learning Objectives:

List consequences of language barriers on patient-provider communication, oral health care delivery and treatment outcomes.
Apply strategies for effective use of interpreters and translators in a clinical setting.
Describe potential roles of student doctor translators in provision of written translations for patient care, community outreach and research.