Western Kentucky University
Dental Health Literacy: A Plea For Simplicity
Institution
Western Kentucky University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Rebecca G. Tabor
Abstract
Health Literacy is a real issue for the majority of the population in our country. In general, the current health literacy skills of the overall population of our nation is falling short of what health systems require to be able to successfully manage one’s health. Our current healthcare system is not designed or equipped to serve patients with low health literacy skills. Dental Health Literacy is an emerging issue of great importance that if taken seriously has the potential to revolutionize dental healthcare for the patient. By utilizing methods of effective communication between the patient, dental team, and community, we will promote cooperation and understanding, which ultimately will all result in a more efficient, successful dental care system and the best possible care for the patient. The goal of this presentation is to provide a simple framework of what we, as health care professionals, can do to make it easier for people to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions. If we act on these steps, positive outcomes will result for us and for the patients we have stewardship over. It is our duty to raise awareness to the current disconnect between our health care system and the health literacy skills of our patients, discuss ways we can simplify the system to better serve the current needs of our patients, and show how such changes will benefit our patients and ourselves.
Dental Health Literacy: A Plea For Simplicity
Health Literacy is a real issue for the majority of the population in our country. In general, the current health literacy skills of the overall population of our nation is falling short of what health systems require to be able to successfully manage one’s health. Our current healthcare system is not designed or equipped to serve patients with low health literacy skills. Dental Health Literacy is an emerging issue of great importance that if taken seriously has the potential to revolutionize dental healthcare for the patient. By utilizing methods of effective communication between the patient, dental team, and community, we will promote cooperation and understanding, which ultimately will all result in a more efficient, successful dental care system and the best possible care for the patient. The goal of this presentation is to provide a simple framework of what we, as health care professionals, can do to make it easier for people to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions. If we act on these steps, positive outcomes will result for us and for the patients we have stewardship over. It is our duty to raise awareness to the current disconnect between our health care system and the health literacy skills of our patients, discuss ways we can simplify the system to better serve the current needs of our patients, and show how such changes will benefit our patients and ourselves.