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The article offers suggestions to dental hygienists on communicating with diverse patients. The authors recommend that dental hygienists must be aware of three main issues: cultural, competence, linguistic competence and health literacy. They must need to learn about other cultures. They should also incorporate increased awareness in the office with co-workers. Based on the article, it is importance to steer away from assumptions and stereotyping.

The article focuses on the importance of cultural competence to dental hygienists. When sociocultural and psychosocial factors are removed, African-Americans have the same health-seeking behavior as the majority population according to a study. The three markers of gradient that affects the cultural congruence of a client-provider interaction are cultural awareness, sensitivity and competence. It cites the factors to consider in assisting a client in a cultural context.

The article focuses on patient objections or concerns about proposed treatment in dental hygiene. Being prepared in advance is the key to handling these situations. The key to being prepared with good handling phrases is memorization. The important principle of good communication is the impact of body language.

Despite revolutionary advances in all fields of dentistry, a critical factor in the success of any treatment program is patient compliance. A number of factors are involved in encouraging and ensuring cooperative patients, including a thorough assessment of a patient's medical, dental, and social history and any related fears or phobias. In addition, effective communication is vital in motivating and educating patients about their dental needs. This course examines the roles all of these play in ensuring patient compliance, reviews the literature regarding oral hygiene programs, and addresses the particular compliance issues involved in specialty fields, such as orthodontics and esthetic dentistry. INSET: Educational Objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Offers pieces of advice in the development of rapport between dental hygienists and patients. Comparison of cat behavior from human behavior; Considerations in handling dental patients; Options of caring for people who need dental care.

Discusses the techniques to reduce anxiety in patients undergoing dental procedure in the U.S. Number of states that license hygienists to give anesthetic agents to patients; Types of local anesthetic agents; Use of aromatherapy and anti-anxiety breathing techniques for patients. INSET: How to use the Sigh Breath.

Offers advice on dealing with questions that dental hygienists receive from patients. Tips on handling child patients; Questions that parents frequently ask. INSET: Questions and Answers.

Presents an article describing the fulfillment and advantage of establishing relationships between patients and dental hygienists.

The article emphasizes the importance of open communication between dental professionals and patients. Open communication allows clinicians to break down the barriers of fear, and replace those fears with trust and honesty. When patients are open and receptive, clinicians find that their oral health is better because they have heard, processed, and acted upon the professional's information.

The author focuses on the kinds of patients that dental hygienists handle. She notes that non-compliant patients are those who refuse to floss, do not come back for check-ups and decline to have routine radiographs. She mentions that anti-fluoridationist patients are those who are opposed to water fluoridation. She adds that health nuts are patients who prefer the best foods and healthiest lifestyles.

The article focuses on the effect of patients' comments on dental hygienists. It says that words used by parents such as hurt could affect the building of trust of young patients with dental hygienists. The author describes the reaction of patients when dental hygienists ask them about a scratch or burn on their palate. The author explains the benefit of using patient's statement as a lead-in to caring for restored teeth.

The article offers information on dental spa. According to registered dental hygienist (RDH) Debra Grant, dental spa means enhancing professional beliefs and ideals that improves the comfort of patients undergoing new oral and systemic health. Grant has two dental spa program, "Enhancing Clinical Care Through Advanced Dental Hygiene Practice" and "Perioromatherapy."

Discusses the implications of lateral thinking in practicing dental hygiene. Factors that may have caused patients not to comply with instructions their dentists or dental hygienists; Inefficacy of repetitive lectures for some patients; Areas of concern that may be helpful in motivating patients with periodontal disease to comply with their medication such as their children, food and sex.

The article discusses patient communication. Dental hygienists should examine their professional relationship with their patients. Continuing education is a critical part of developing and maintaining the careers of dental hygienists. Listening is one way of communicating with patients effectively.

Offers tips for creating a relaxing environment at dental operatories. Examples of fragrances that help to relax dental patients; Importance of dental-hygienist and patient communication. INSET: The Sixth Sense.

Offers advice on promoting dentistry to patients through a dental health and wellness system. Approach that will help dental hygienists influence patients to complete their treatment plan; Tips on discussing comprehensive dentistry with patients; Guidelines for developing a template which is effective for the culture of a doctor's practice.

Answers question from a dental hygienist regarding an awkward situation with patients who impart personal information or problems. Highlights of an experience with a patient who shared a personal and devastating news; Examples of scenarios that shows possible physical consequences from emotional stress; Details of one of the shortcomings as hygienists; Possible reasons for a patient to ask about oral sex; Attitudinal barriers to communication.

Presents advice to dental hygienists on making referrals to periodontists. Conditions wherein a patient should see a periodontist; Implications of bleeding upon probing; Background on periodontal disease; Importance of consulting a dentist before making a referral.

Focuses on the post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experienced by some dental patients. Components of diagnosing PTSD; Symptoms of PTSD; Reasons for dental patients to fear the process of dental hygiene; Techniques of reducing patient fears.

Offers tips on how dental hygienists can handle pediatric patients. Positioning of the child in the dental chair; Instruments that can be used to visualize the patient's mouth easily; Way to control gagging in patients.

Presents an article narrating a dental hygienist's routine of handshaking with her patients.

Presents an article narrating the strategy used by a dental hygienist in dealing with her patients.

Presents an excerpt from the book 'Love Is the Best Medicine for Dental Patients and the Dental Team.'

The author emphasizes the need for dental professionals to believe their patients. If patients say they are in pain or something is uncomfortable, then dental professionals need to trust what the patients are telling them, according to the author. She advises dental professionals to step out of their comfort zone, learn to ask questions from a different point of view, and watch their patients become more accountable for their own health and willing partners in the success of their own treatment.

The article presents tips for improving patient compliance to treatment plan. Some of the tips mentioned include: 1) Listen to patients about their wants and needs. Ask first what is the patient's chief complaint. 2) Present evidence-based research and information; use the approach, "We now know..." 3) A photo is worth a thousand words. Let photography work for you and with you. 4) Be honest... with integrity. 5) Document results. What worked? What didn't? 6) Simplify the instructions. Finding time to do proper oral care may be a challenge for some patients.

Provides information on dental practitioner Karen Hart-Sabol. Education; Views of Hart-Sabol regarding her relationship with her dental patients; Preferred outdoor activities of Hart-Sabol.