Bridging the Language Gap: Spanish Essentials for Dental Teams

Thursday, September 17, 2026 | 6:30-8:30 PM | Virtually via Zoom & ODHA On-Demand

Course Summary

Effective communication is the foundation of patient-centered care, especially in diverse communities. This interactive course introduces dental professionals to the fundamentals of Spanish language use in the dental setting, focusing on practical vocabulary, pronunciation, and culturally sensitive communication strategies. Participants will learn the Spanish alphabet, common dental terms and phrases, and key conversational skills to improve interactions with Spanish-speaking patients.

Course Learning Objectives

  • Identify and correctly pronounce the Spanish alphabet and commonly used dental terms and phrases relevant to routine clinical interactions.
  • Apply basic Spanish conversational skills to enhance communication with Spanish-speaking patients during appointments, instructions, and patient education.
  • Demonstrate culturally sensitive communication strategies that support patient-centered care and improve trust, comfort, and understanding in diverse dental settings.

Whether you're looking to strengthen communication with your patients, build practical language skills, or complete your cultural competency CE requirement, this course offers tools you can put into practice right away. 

Presenters

Wilber Ramírez-Rodríguez is a dedicated dental professional and educator who is deeply committed to serving underserved communities. He is a Full Professor at Pacific University’s School of Dental Hygiene Studies, where he teaches, supervises students, and leads community outreach programs. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in Peru and later completed degrees in Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy at Pacific University. Throughout his career, he has focused on preventive care, public health, and hands-on education for future oral health professionals.

In addition to his academic work, Ramírez-Rodríguez has been a strong leader in community dental care and professional organizations. He founded Dental Reach Inc. and co-founded Misión Dental Esperanza to improve access to dental care for underserved populations. He serves on the Board of the American Dental Therapy Association and is active in several national and local dental and public health organizations. His work has been recognized with multiple awards for leadership, community service, diversity, and public health impact.

 

Kristen L. Moses, MS Ed, DT, EPDH, RDH is an Associate Professor in the School of Dental Hygiene Studies at Pacific University and a licensed Registered Dental Hygienist and Dental Therapist in the state of Oregon. She holds a Master of Science in Educational Leadership and Policy and a Bachelor of Science in Dental Health Science.

Kristen teaches and presents topics related to patient-centered care, effective communication, and dental hygiene practice for diverse and underserved populations. She has developed Spanish-language educational modules for dental students and professionals that emphasize practical dental vocabulary, pronunciation, and culturally responsive communication to support improved access to care for Spanish-speaking patients. Known for her approachable teaching style, Kristen focuses on communication strategies that can be applied immediately in clinical practice.