Dr Charlotte Waite introduces the collaborative work bringing Makaton to the dental setting.
President Fiona Ellwood said ‘being able to sign is important’, the GDC make it clear in the Standards for dental professionals that we must communicate effectively with patients … and take their communication needs into account’. A number of dental professionals do sign, but can you imagine the difference this could make to a patient who communicates in this way?
14 June 2021
The British Dental Association (BDA) is supporting Learning Disability Awareness Week (14-20 June). We are encouraging all dentists and dental team members to download a new free set of Makaton prompt cards to help break down barriers to communications for dental patients.
Makaton is a unique language programme that uses symbols, signs, alongside speech to enable people to communicate more effectively. All people with a learning disability should have the support they need to access dental care and this tool can be used to support communication in day- to-day practise.
To highlight these new resources, the BDA has collaborated on a short film highlighting the experience of someone with a learning disability visiting the dentist, available via YouTube….. to read the full brief click the link above.