Nearly nine out of ten U.S. adults have difficulty understanding and using everyday health information that is generally available in health care facilities, retail outlets, media and communities. Fourteen percent of Americans have below basic health literacy. People with low health literacy are often less likely to seek preventive care, comply with prescribed treatment and maintain self-care regimens needed to control chronic diseases, including dental diseases. These facts emphasize the importance of providing information to dental patients that is clear and easily understood. What is health literacy? What makes a dental clinic/organization health literate? What role is the American Dental Association playing in improving health literacy? Participants will learn answers to these questions and more by attending this session.
