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Association Creates State’s First Online Database of Multi-Lingual Dentists

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Posted: August 4, 2009

Association Creates State’s First Online Database of Multi-Lingual Dentists

www.njda.org

North Brunswick – The New Jersey Dental Association (NJDA) recently introduced a new way for the public to search for a dentist—by the languages they speak. The new, online tool can be found at http://www.njda.org under the “Find-A-Dentist” button.  Here, those looking for a dentist can search a database of the more than 4,700 members of the NJDA by criteria such as city, multiple cities, zip code, last name, specialty (i.e., orthodontics, periodontics, etc.) and the language(s) the dentist speaks.
 
Currently, more than 350 dentists have listed over 45 languages and the list is growing every day. Studies and surveys have shown that patients who speak languages other than English prefer to communicate directly with the dentist in their native tongue, rather than through a translator or office staff.  This direct line of communication between the dentist and patient also helps to eliminate mistranslations.
 
“We are very proud to introduce this valuable tool to help people find the right dentist for their needs and circumstances,” says Steven Fink, DMD, president of NJDA. “Language should not be a barrier to receiving quality oral healthcare, and acknowledging and adapting to the differences among us will only serve to help make New Jersey healthier and stronger.”
The tool can also be used by social workers, insurance companies and those who have the responsibility of helping others find healthcare providers.
 
The New Jersey Commissioner of Health & Senior Services (NJDHSS), Heather Howard, has recognized the NJDA with a letter of commendation for its breakthrough online tool.  The letter states, “The NJDA has developed a tool that will prove invaluable to patients who speak a language other than English.” It further states, “The NJDHSS supports the continued efforts of the NJDA to make dental health care accessible to all the residents of New Jersey and looks forward to collaborating with NJDA on future initiatives.”
 
The NJDA expects to at least double the number of multi-lingual dentists in its database by the spring of 2010.  That would equate to nearly one in five dentists among the NJDA membership being multi-lingual. To date, Spanish, Chinese and Hindi are the prevalent languages in the database, but dentists speak a number of other European, Asian and Middle-Eastern languages. Those using the tool should check back regularly as the database is updated monthly.
 
The New Jersey Dental Association (NJDA), a constituent organization of the American Dental Association, is among the largest state dental associations in the country. Founded in 1870, the NJDA is headquartered in North Brunswick and serves and supports its more than 4,700 members and fosters the advancement of quality, ethical oral healthcare for the public. Nearly two thirds of all licensed practicing dentists in the state are members of the NJDA.
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