Grace Phelan* and Elizabeth Ayers
Context: Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) dentists are well suited to provide quality care for many diverse patients including those in the deaf community. However, DHH dentists face unique challenges in dental school, and as practicing medical professionals. Past research has focused only on hardships experienced by DHH dental patients. This
comparative case study aims to be the 1st formal effort to learn more about DHH dentists’ experiences and investigate strategic tools that could guide future DHH individuals pursuing dentistry.
Case report: This comparative case study was performed through observations and semi-structured interviews with two deaf dentists, and an interview with one hearing coworker each (n=4). Field notes were taken during each observation, and interviews were recorded and transcribed into English text. Thematic analysis identified three
common themes among participants:
1. Challenges faced and adaptations used by DHH dental professionals
2. Hearing peers’ support of, and learning experiences from deaf dentists and
3. Unique qualities deaf dentists possess.
Conclusion: Findings from this case study show minimal need for accommodations in most aspects of dentistry. The largest areas of concern regarded missing informal office communication, difficulty explaining complex terms, and challenges with captioning or interpreting in dental school/clinical. Hearing coworkers made small adjustments to support communication, and encouraged positive attitudes among patients. Both DHH dentists reported that their deafness contributed to their unique motivation to become a dentist, elevated skills in dentistry, and additional sense of responsibility for teaching oral health education to their DHH patients.
Published Date: 2023-11-01; Received Date: 2023-10-04
