Do dentists get training in understanding garbled speech?

I don’t know if they take any specific course to learn the art of patient speak; however, they get a TON of on the job training!!!

I had one dentist who ALWAYS waited until my mouth was full of his fingers, picks, & whatever else he was using to ask me a question. I felt it rude of him, so I decided to get rude back & I would just answer him. If it was important, he either pretended that he understood me, or he’d remove most of the instruments & his hands & he would re-ask if it was really important. Now, I tend to use the grunt to let him know I’m in pain.

Have you ASKED your dentist what they prefer for communication???

I read an article some time ago in which actual dentists said they would prefer hand signals so they know if something is going on. It doesn’t have to be very involved…just lift your finger.

Ask your dentist and let us know!