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Br Dent J 2017; 223: 842–845 ; http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.991

Verbal communication between the dentist and patient underpins our profession. The words we use to ask questions and explain things to our patients determine whether we make a correct diagnosis, prognosis and treatment plan.

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However, with Internet searches and social media available at many patients' fingertips, more and more patients are being exposed to inaccurate and over complicated terminology. This leaves many confused by the time they visit us in practice. It is therefore paramount that we avoid using jargon and communicate effectively with all patients in order to achieve the best health outcomes.

In this paper, the authors carried out a questionnaire-based study in out-patient clinics at a London teaching hospital. The questionnaire comprised of three parts with the aim of finding out how well patients understood commonly used oral terminology. In total 123 questionnaires were completed and the conclusions that could be drawn from the study are:

  • Patients with a higher level of education (undergraduate degree or above) find it easier to understand and explain commonly used oral terminology than those with a lower level of education (A-levels or below)

  • Patients who speak English as their first language are more likely to be able to understand and explain commonly used oral terms

  • Oral terms that are used commonly outside of a medical setting, eg 'blister', are better understood by patients than terms used mainly in the medical setting alone, eg 'lesion'

  • Patients can confuse oral terms with other medical terms that sounds similar, eg 'metastasis' and 'mastitis'

  • Oral terms that describe common conditions in the population or something experienced by the patient themselves are better understood by patients, eg 'ulcer' and 'biopsy'

  • Use of the term 'potentially malignant disorder' instead of 'pre-malignant' should be considered as nearly half of participants thought 'pre-malignant' was indicative of having cancer/definitely developing cancer at some point in life.

This paper highlights that both culture and education can influence a patient's understanding of terms we use regularly. Having a clear understanding of our patient's background can help us deliver excellent patient care. For some patients this might require using a translator, while for others it may simply be using terms that they're more familiar with.

By changing our verbal communication with our patients, we can ensure we are providing them with all of the information they require to make informed decisions.

Priti Pankhania, Third Year Dental Student, University of Leeds