The dentist's first turn-at-talk in Korean dental visits

Abstract

This study examines the initial moments of dental visits in Korea by focusing on the dentist's very first turn that initiates interaction with the patient. Using the method of conversation analysis, 34 video recordings were transcribed and analyzed to explore the design of the dentist's first turns and how they shape the trajectory of interaction. Findings show that the dentist initiates either task-oriented or social talk in the first turn. With a task-oriented first turn, the dentist moves directly to the business of the visit, constructing the interaction as transactional/task-focused and facilitating the progression of the consultation. In contrast, with social talk, the dentist invites the patent to engage in an opening activity to produce a more social/personal encounter, postponing the launching of medical activities. The findings shed light on the specialty- and culture-specific practices of dental care in Korea as well as the generic practices of social interaction.