Oral health competence and its communication in "talking dentistry"

Abstract

The concept of health literacy has received much attention in recent years. Essential approaches are the provision of health information, teaching through educational programs, and transfer via communication techniques. From adental point of view, the individual discussion between patient and dentist is of particular importance ("talking dentistry").The aim of our article is to present the current state of knowledge on the relationship between oral health literacy and talking dentistry, to present existing concepts for teaching communicative competencies, and to identify the further need for action from the point of view of the German Dental Association. Several health psychology models emphasize apositive relationship between oral health literacy, oral health behavior, and oral health. Further determinants seem to be the patient's self-efficacy beliefs and the individual interaction with the dentist. Therefore, it seems purposeful to intervene in an occasion-related manner in the sense of talking dentistry. The personal conversation between dentist and patient can cover counselling, education, motivation, and practical guidance and can lead to participatory decision-making.Offers for learning and deepening communication techniques represent important aids for the practice. Some are presented in this article as examples. However, in order to establish talking dentistry on abroad level, more far-reaching offers and incentives are needed. Through our suggestions, we would like to show ways in which talking dentistry can be further promoted and consolidated as an integral part of dental care.