Should sign language be a part of dental curricula?

Anisha Hall Hoppe, Dental Tribune International

Thu. 18 January 2024

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JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia: A staggering 1.5 billion people are estimated to suffer from some level of hearing loss globally according to the World Health Organization. A recent study in the Middle East has explored how dental clinicians can better communicate when caring for patients with hearing loss, detailing the development and impact of an optional Arabic sign language course for fourth-year dental students at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah.

The study aimed to address the communication barriers faced by deaf individuals in dental care settings, particularly in the Middle East, where there is a significant gap in services for deaf people. For the study, 141 dental students participated in a 4-hour course designed to improve their understanding of Deaf culture and the challenges faced by deaf patients in dental clinics. The course covered the rights of deaf patients, common misconceptions about Deaf culture and practical sign language skills relevant to dental care. The curriculum was covered through lectures, case discussions and interaction with a dentist certified in sign language.

Course efficacy was determined by students’ answers both before and after course completion to questions relating to their awareness and knowledge about deaf patients, including their perception of the experience of deaf patients in the dental setting, facts about Deaf culture and how to work appropriately with patients with hearing loss. Students were also tested before and after the course on proper protocol in more than a dozen clinical scenarios involving the treatment of or interaction with a patient with hearing loss.

Results of the study indicated a significant improvement in the students’ knowledge and attitudes after taking the course. Before the course, the students had limited awareness and understanding of the needs and rights of deaf patients. However, evaluation revealed that there was a notable increase in their overall knowledge scores and sign language skills. The study found that such educational interventions could effectively bridge the communication gap between dental healthcare providers and deaf patients, ultimately leading to better care and understanding.

The researchers concluded that the course at King Abdulaziz University could serve as a model that could be replicated in other institutions to enhance cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in healthcare settings. The study also acknowledged the need for further research to assess the long-term impact of such training on students’ abilities to communicate with deaf patients effectively.

The study, titled “Promoting Arabic sign language skills among dental students”, was published online on 10 January 2024 in the Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare.

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