Words Matter: Inclusive Language in Dental Hygiene Practice

Pricing

Member fee: $49.00 + applicable taxes
Non-member fee: $99.00 + applicable taxes
Student/Graduated Student Member fee: $20.00 + applicable taxes
Educator members: Free

Course Completion Time:

Approx. 4-5 hours

Note that your access to this course will expire one year from the date of purchase; course registration fees are non-refundable and subject to applicable taxes.

Not A Member? Join Today!

Description

Words Matter: Inclusive Language in Dental Hygiene Practice is an introductory, evidence-informed online course designed to develop self-awareness and help dental hygienists communicate with respect and intention.

Using examples, reflective exercises, and real-world clinical applications, the course explores how everyday word choices influence patient experiences, workplace culture, and professional relationships. Participants will strengthen their ability to use inclusive, nonjudgmental language in clinical conversations, documentation, and team interactions—supporting culturally safe, equitable, and patient-centred care for all people.

This self-study learning experience also empowers dental hygienists to reflect, learn, and grow in an evolving practice environment where words truly matter. Guided reflection will encourage curiosity, self-awareness, and readiness to engage in respectful, growth-oriented learning. Additional resources offered at the end of the course encourage deeper learning by exploring concepts of inclusive language that may not have been covered in this introductory self-study course.

Learn more about CDHA’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and join your national professional association in building an inclusive future.

Course Content

Inclusive Language in the Workplace

This section examines the guiding principles of inclusive language, including avoiding bias, recognizing microaggressions, and communicating with empathy. Through practical examples and reflective prompts, you’ll develop strategies to foster belonging, respect, and psychological safety.

Inclusive Language in Dental Hygiene Practice

This section focuses on applying inclusive language in dental hygiene practice. Learn how language impacts patient experiences and influences health outcomes. Topics include person-first language, respectful terminology related to identity and health conditions, and practical approaches to inclusive communication across diverse patient populations.

Appreciate & Value Inclusive Language

Inclusive language is a lifelong practice, not a one-time skill. This section emphasizes reflection, accountability, and continuous improvement. Through self-assessment and team-based reflection, participants are encouraged to champion inclusive communication and support positive change within their workplace.

Learning Outcomes

After completing this self-study course, participants will be able to:

Define inclusive language and understand the impact of word choices
Describe the guiding principles of inclusive language in the workplace
Use inclusive language when providing oral health care services to the public
Value inclusive language as a tool to enhance patient health outcomes and strengthen relationships with clients, colleagues, other health care professionals, and the public
Use a self-reflective approach to practising dental hygiene

Format For Learning

This course is available in English only, and the learning is self-directed. The course can be completed in the comfort of your home, at your convenience and pace. Pause your reading at any time to break up your learning into shorter sessions. It is estimated that the entire course will take 4 to 5 hours to complete, including examination of additional resources provided at the end of the course. The course also includes an ungraded pre- and post-assessment designed to develop self-awareness and encourage self-reflection. After completing a set of self-reflection questions and a survey, you can access a certificate of completion from your online CDHA profile.

Course Developer

Melissa Chaulk, MEd, BSc, RDH

Melissa completed a Bachelor of Science specializing in biomedical biology in 2008 at Laurentian University prior to receiving her diploma in Dental Hygiene from Cambrian College in 2010. She also completed a Master of Education in teaching and learning in 2020 at the University of Ottawa. Her synthesis research paper focused on dental hygiene leadership development and the role of emotional intelligence and transformative learning theory. Melissa also holds a Certificate in Adult Education from the Canadian College of Educators.

Special thanks are extended to CDHA Writer/Editor, Megan Sproule-Jones, and Dental Hygiene Practice Director, Sylvie Martel, for their assistance with content review.

Relevance to Practice

Communication is central to building trust, promoting safety, and supporting equitable health outcomes. Dental hygienists interact with diverse patients, families, and interprofessional teams, and the words used in conversations and clinical documentation can either foster belonging or unintentionally reinforce bias and stigma. This foundational course will strengthen practitioners’ ability to communicate with empathy, cultural humility, and clarity, while remaining evidence-informed and reflective. By understanding how language influences patient perceptions, professional relationships, and clinical decision making, dental hygienists can reduce harm, improve therapeutic relationships, and deliver more respectful, patient-centred care that aligns with professional standards, ethical obligations, and evolving expectations within oral health care.