Accessing quality oral healthcare can often be challenging for our non-English speaking neighbors. At MCDC, we understand the importance of breaking down language barriers to provide the best possible care for our patients.
While many of our MCDC centers have mobile electronic translation carts, we know translation services can sometimes hinder the ability to build connection, trust and empathy. Which is why many of our MCDC team members go the extra step to learn one of our more common second languages – Spanish.
In Sturgis, one of our Dental Assistants, Meghan Vaughn, not only utilizes her Spanish-speaking capabilities to put her patients at ease, but also takes the times to host a Spanish lesson during the team’s morning huddles. Team members are taught words and phrases that support a patient during their routine dental visits.
“It’s a fun way for our team to bond and come together to improve our care and connection with our Spanish-speaking patients. Our Spanish patients always smile when we speak Spanish with them. I believe our patients appreciate our efforts to communicate with them and it enhances their overall experience here at our center.”
By learning Spanish and incorporating it into our daily interactions, our MCDC team members are not just providing dental care, but building relationships based on trust and understanding.
In our Kentwood center, many of our team members speak Spanish as a first or second language and often go the extra mile to support translation to provide extra comfort during the visit.
“We enjoy helping patients and making them feel comfortable,” shared Marisela Semaan, Kentwood Office Manager. “[We] help them understand the importance of dental care.”
At MCDC, our goal is to make every patient feel at home and ensure they grasp the significance of dental health. Communication plays a crucial role in this, and we’re committed to going above and beyond to support our patients in any way we can.
“I have taken the time to practice my Spanish and communicate with our Spanish-speaking patients because it’s an easy way to make someone feel at ease with a healthcare professional,” shared Dr. Tamar Shrikian of our Kentwood Center. “Even if I can’t speak enough Spanish to communicate about clinical care, speaking some Spanish makes patients feel like I care about their culture and creating a welcoming environment for them.”
The dedication of our MCDC team members to learn and use Spanish to connect with patients exemplifies our commitment to providing inclusive and compassionate oral healthcare services to all members of our community.
