Summary
According to the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association, hearing loss is one
of the fastest-growing health crises in Canada. This webinar features
videos produced by Canadian Hearing Services (CHS) and a special
presentation developed by Maria Moran, CDHA senior student leader at John
Abbott College. The videos introduce simple, everyday signs in American
Sign Language (ASL) to foster accessible, inclusive communication with the
deaf community in dental hygiene practice. A self-study guide is also
provided with a list of additional resources and recommended readings.
Sign language is a visual language that uses facial expressions, hand
gestures, and body movements to communicate. Learning words and phrases
can encourage communication with the deaf community, fostering inclusivity
and reducing the risk of anxiety and frustration during appointments.
While it is appreciated when health care professionals use basic signs
during routine appointments, an interpreter is still likely required for
more complex or condition-specific terminology. Dental hygienists should
feel encouraged to further their learning to communicate directly with
patients, build trust, foster mutual understanding and respect, and
enhance the provider-patient relationship.
Note: These videos contain no audio to respect the deaf and
hard-of-hearing community. You will be required to watch the videos,
read the on-screen captions, and observe the facial expressions,
gestures, hand shapes, and body movements used for communication.
Learners are encouraged to participate actively by practising the hand
gestures shown in the video.
Examples of everyday signs include:
- Hi / Hello
- Nice to meet you
- My name is …
- Floss
- Next appointment
- Please
- Thank you
- And more!
To continue your learning journey, learn
American Sign Language (ASL)
with expert deaf instructors at Canadian Hearing Services.
Presenters
Maria Moran
Maria Moran is the project lead, and she is also a dental hygiene
student at John Abbott College and CDHA senior student leader. Maria
was supported by dental hygiene students and faculty in developing
this special presentation.
Special thanks are extended to the following individuals for their
participation:
Amy Macdonald, Anna Burton, Ariza Pingol, Atefeh Hosseini, Bianca
Posadas, Caitlin Van Kouten, Catherine McConnell, Christeen Farag,
Christine Fambely, Christina Fatokakis, Crystal Pui Han Wu, Dr. Boulos,
Grace Padua, Haley Francis, Jaclyn Knafo, John Beshara, Josée Tessier,
Julia Chadi, Julie Lafitte, Jurey-Ann Posadas, Katarina Salter, Katia
Kirillova, Mackenzie Roy, Mélanie Maisonneuve, Noor-Ul-Ain Raja,
Ramanpreet Kaur, Salma Chatoo, Sanaz Tafaghodi, Sanskriti Rana, Sara
Mashhadawi, Senay Yildirim, Song Cailing, Theresa Emery, Tyra St-Lot,
Xiang Li (Louise), Xuelian Liao, Yasir Nassim and Zoe Dimitriou.
Special thanks are also extended to CDHA staff members Sylvie Martel,
director of dental hygiene practice; Sarah Dokken, marketing manager;
and Melissa Chaulk, manager of professional development; as well as to
Anna Strati-Morrison, ASL Education Program Manager at Canadian Hearing
Services, for their mentorship and collaboration.
Learning Outcomes
After the webinar, participants will be able to:
- Use basic signs to communicate with the deaf community
-
Appreciate the use of American Sign Language (ASL) to foster
accessible, inclusive communication with the deaf community in dental
hygiene practice