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Dentistry

Communication

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By the end of this session the participants will be
able to:
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• Demonstrate knowledge of effective communication


with families in the childsmile programme

• Identify the barriers to effective communication

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Session Outline:

Presentation
Group discussions
Case scenario

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What is your understanding of communication?


Discuss and write down in small groups
large group feedback

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Communication
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Verbal communication – relates to what is being said

Para linguistics – relates to how it is said and includes voice tone,


volume, speed of speech

Non verbal communication – relates to gestures, facial


expressions, eye contact, body language and clothes

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Nonverbal communication
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• Various researchers have found that communicating a message relies


less on actual words than you might think:

• 7% actual words
• 38% voice cues
• 55% face cues

Dr Candice Boyd
Lecturer in Psychology

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Communication
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Active Listening is a term used to indicate the skills that demonstrate one is
listening and appropriate verbal responses

Paralinguistic and non verbal communication are the more important


features

The acronym SOLER is useful for non verbal demonstration of listening;

Square
Open
Leaning
Eye contact
Relaxed

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Communication
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SOLER

Square - for effective demonstration of listening skills the health educator should
face the patient squarely, otherwise he or she might seem uninterested

Open - open body position involves avoiding crossing arms and legs, these are often
interpreted as defensive or shutting down

Leaning - a slight forward lean indicates an eagerness to learn more

Eye Contact - when listening most people maintain good eye contact and this
encourages speakers to continue

Relaxed - a relaxed posture is important, otherwise the communication will seem


artificial

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What are the barriers to effectively


communicating with families in the childsmile
programme?

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Large group feedback

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Communication
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Communication Barriers

Social and Cultural Gaps


Limited receptiveness
Negative attitude to the health promoter
Limited understanding and memory;
Lack of credibility; perhaps you set a bad example yourself
Insufficient emphasis by the health promoter
Contradictory messages;
Objectives set too high, parent unable to comply

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Case Scenario

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