Bilingual Dentists: Why You Need a Dentist That Speaks Your Language

The American Dental Association encourages at least two dentist visits a year. However, not everyone visits the dentists near them. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 62% of adults between 18 and 64 visited a dentist in 2014. That means that 38% did not.

One of the reasons that an American might not visit the dentist is a lack of communication. Dentistry may help smiles across all borders, but language differences can make things difficult. That’s why we encourage patients to find a dentist that they can communicate with. There are many benefits to having a dentist that speaks your own language, including:

You’ll Be More Comfortable

This applies to all forms of medical care. You want to be comfortable with the individual that you are speaking to. A Brazilian dentist that speaks Portuguese or Spanish can connect better with patients that speak those languages. And when discussing your physical or oral health, comfort is something that is needed. You might find yourself discouraged to return to the dentist’s office for a checkup if you are uncomfortable with them.

Won’t Have to Use Relatives As Translators

Using a relative as a translator can be an uncomfortable experience in any environment. This is doubly true when it concerns private medical matters. You don’t want to have your relatives know about your dental health. This is why it is important to find a dentist that speaks your language. You should be able to have the privacy that medical professionals are sworn to give you.

You’ll See Better Medical Outcomes

A Brazilian dentist that speaks Portuguese will be able to provide better medical service to a Portuguese speaker. An English-only speaking dentist would have a hard time relaying important information about prescription and dental care. You need to make sure that you know what you have to do to keep your teeth and body healthy. This is why it is important to find a dentist that is at least bilingual and can write and speak both languages fluently.

Finding a dentist that speaks your language can be an incredibly important thing. Not only will you be more comfortable getting dental care, you will also be more willing to return for follow-ups. This is good if you want to have the best oral health. Make sure you find a dentist that speaks your language in your local area.