Title: Cultural Competency
Course: DES 2701 Community Oral Health > Section: Module 9 - Cultural Competency

Introduction

This module includes strategies that can be used to increase cultural competency. The Oral Health Care Culturally Competent (OHCCC) Guidelines and the Cultural Competency Continuum are both presented. The dental hygiene student may use these models to conduct a self-assessment, which is the first step to increasing cultural competency.

Dental hygienists have the opportunity to treat individuals of various cultures, backgrounds, socioeconomic levels, and ages. Dental hygiene students should be educated on cultural competency and provided with opportunities to increase their cultural competency. Increasing cultural competence allows dental hygienists to provide services that are more culturally and linguistically appropriate.

Objectives

Upon completion of this module, the student will be able to:

- Describe the application of strategies and approaches that enhance cross-cultural communication and education in oral health care settings.
- Identify the Oral Health Care Culturally Competent (OHCCC) Guidelines.
- Discuss the components of the Cultural Competency Continuum Ladder.

Readings & Resources

Community Oral Health Practice for the Dental Hygienist. Geurink. 3rd ed. Chapter 10, pgs 264-282.

Assignments & Activities

- Post in the Module 9 Discussion Board.
- Complete the Module 9 Reflective Assignment.
- Complete the Module 9 Quiz.