Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists Bulletin Summer 2023 - 96

Engagement, Diversity, & Inclusion Task Force Report
Communication Etiquette for Transgender
Patients and Families
When communicating with transgender adolescent
patients, it is important to engage in ageappropriate
and respectful dialogue. Listening
actively, using affirming language, and involving
parents or guardians in decision making can foster
a trusting relationship. Creating an open line of
communication can help address concerns, build
trust, and ensure patients' needs are met.
Improving Transgender Patient Care Experience
Health care professionals can improve the
transgender patient care experience through the
following steps:
◾ Training and Education: Continuously educate
ourselves and our staff about transgender
health issues, cultural competency, and best
practices for providing inclusive care.
◾ Community Partnerships: Collaborate with
LGBTQ+ organizations and community groups
to enhance our understanding of the unique
needs of transgender patients.
◾ Patient Feedback: Encourage open and honest
feedback from transgender patients to identify
areas for improvement and ensure their voices
are heard.
◾ Advocate for Policy Change: Engage in
advocacy efforts to support policies that protect
transgender individuals' rights and improve
access to health care services.
As dental professionals, it is our responsibility to
provide compassionate, inclusive, and culturally
competent care to all patients. By understanding
the unique challenges faced by this population,
addressing barriers to care, and creating a
welcoming office environment, we can help bridge
the health care gap and create an environment
where dialogue and education can promote
acceptance and support for the transgender
adolescent patient.
References
1. Clark TC, Lucassen MFG, Bullen P, et al. The health
and well-being of transgender high school students:
Results from the New Zealand Adolescent Health
Survey (youth'12). J Adolesc Health. 2014;55(1):93-99.
doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2013.11.008
2. Eisenberg ME, Gower AL, McMorris BJ, Rider GN,
Shea G, Coleman E. Risk and protective factors in the
lives of transgender/gender nonconforming adolescents.
J Adolesc Health. 2017;61(4):521-526.
doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2017.04.014
3. Kidd KM, Sequeira GM, Douglas C, et al. Prevalence
of Gender-Diverse Youth in an Urban School District.
Pediatrics. 2021;147(6):e2020049823. doi:10.1542/
peds.2020-049823
4. Wang Y, Pan B, Liu Y, Wilson A, Ou J, Chen R.
Health care and mental health challenges for
transgender individuals during the COVID-19
pandemic. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2020;8(7).
doi:10.1016/s2213-8587(20)30182-0
5. The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio. Pronouns:
a how-to. Accessed May 4, 2023. https://www.
diversitycenterneo.org/about-us/pronouns/
6. National LGBT Health Education Center. Affirmative
care for transgender and gender non-conforming
people: best practices for front-line health care staff.
Accessed May 8, 2023. www.lgbthealtheducation.org/
wp-content/uploads/13-017_TransBestPracticesfor
FrontlineStaff_v9_04-30-13-1.pdf
7. MacKinlay-Byrne L. Caring for the transgender
patient. Dimens. Dent. Hyg. 2020;18(1):40-43.
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PCSO Bulletin Summer 2023

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2013.11.008 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2017.04.014 https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2020-049823 https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2020-049823 https://doi.org/10.1016/s2213-8587(20)30182-0 https://www.diversitycenterneo.org/about-us/pronouns/ https://www.diversitycenterneo.org/about-us/pronouns/ http://www.lgbthealtheducation.org/wp-content/uploads/13-017_TransBestPracticesforFrontlineStaff_v9_04-30-13-1.pdf http://www.lgbthealtheducation.org/wp-content/uploads/13-017_TransBestPracticesforFrontlineStaff_v9_04-30-13-1.pdf http://www.lgbthealtheducation.org/wp-content/uploads/13-017_TransBestPracticesforFrontlineStaff_v9_04-30-13-1.pdf

Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists Bulletin Summer 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists Bulletin Summer 2023