Reducing Bias, Building Trust & Strengthening Patient Communication-Beyond Words

 Reducing Bias, Building Trust & Strengthening Patient Communication

3 CEU’s

Attend this class by Live Webinar or Attend at our School

Course Description

This comprehensive continuing education course provides dental professionals with an in-depth examination of unconscious bias, cultural competency, professionalism, and patient-centered communication within today’s diverse healthcare environment. Participants will explore how bias and ineffective communication can influence patient trust, case acceptance, treatment outcomes, teamwork, and overall quality of care. The course will include discussion of verbal and nonverbal communication, health literacy, cultural sensitivity, trauma-informed communication, conflict resolution, and ethical considerations in patient interactions. Real-world case studies and practical communication strategies will be presented to help participants foster inclusive, respectful, and effective communication with all patients and members of the healthcare team.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Define implicit bias, stereotyping, and cultural competency and explain their impact on patient care and professional interactions.
2. Identify personal and systemic biases that may influence communication, treatment planning, and patient outcomes.
3. Discuss the role of empathy, active listening, and professionalism in establishing patient trust and rapport.
4. Recognize communication barriers related to culture, language, age, disability, anxiety, trauma, and health literacy.
5. Demonstrate effective verbal and nonverbal communication techniques that support patient understanding and comfort.
6. Apply strategies for communicating complex dental information in a clear, respectful, and patient-centered manner.
7. Review methods for managing difficult conversations, misunderstandings, and patient concerns professionally and ethically.
8. Explain the importance of trauma-informed communication and emotional awareness in reducing patient fear and anxiety.
9. Discuss ethical and legal considerations related to discrimination, respectful communication, and patient rights in healthcare settings.
10. Implement practical strategies to create a more inclusive, welcoming, and bias-aware dental practice environment.

Instructor: Dr. Marc Goldman

Dr. Marc Goldman completed his BS degree at The American University in Washington, DC in 1979 and his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from The New York University College of Dentistry in 1979.  Dr. Goldman then completed his certificate in Periodontics at Rutgers University Dental School (formerly the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Dental School) in 1982.  Dr. Goldman is active in the American Dental Association, New Jersey Dental Association, Essex County Dental Association, American Academy of Periodontology,  New Jersey Society of Periodontists, Newark Dental Club and the Garden State Society of Periodontics and Implantology. Dr. Goldman is the Chairman of the Department of Periodontics at Newark Beth Israel Hospital in Newark, NJ where he oversees the periodontal training of the General Practice Residents.  He has published articles in the Journal of the American Academy of Periodontics and Journal of the New Jersey Dental Association.  He lectures nationally

Requirements to attend a live webinar:

• You will need a smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer to view it. If using a smartphone or tablet, it is best to have the app for the program on your device (i.e.  Zoom).
• To verify your continued attendance during the class, you will need a microphone, or the ability to type into the program’s live chat.
• A webcam so the teacher can see you
• Instructors or school personnel will take attendance periodically throughout the class.
• Instructors may call on participants.
• To verify attendance, a code word may be given sometime during the class.
• You will be required to complete and return an evaluation after the course has ended. The evaluation may ask what code word was given.
• You may not receive your Certificate of Completion if we cannot verify your attendance.

Certificates of Completion are emailed to students approximately 5 business days after the course.

This program is for the full dental staff – no prior skills are needed to attend.

The teaching method will be in a lecture format with a Q & A period.

DSI Staff or administration do not have any commercial interest or relationship to the speaker.

The content and format of the Continuing Education course is presented without commercial bias and does not claim superiority of any commercial product or service.  No DSI Staff have any financial relationship with the speaker or company.