Speaking Greek

Creating understanding, vs sounding "professional"

You may think that using fancy words makes you sound smart, projects professionalism. It doesn't. Using jargon is a habit you must change to be successful.

Using "correct" dental terminology is expected in dental school but is grossly inappropriate in clinical practice. Using jargon shows disrespect for the patient and makes understanding impossible. And lack of understanding is death to treatment acceptance.

For example:

Say "white filling or silver filling" instead of composite resin or amalgam restoration.

Say "nerve" instead of pulp.

Say "deep cleaning" instead of scaling and root planing.

Fixing the problem.

Don't beat yourself up when you find yourself using jargon words. Just correct yourself and do better next time.

Which of your colleagues will be most grateful when you share this post?