Makaton is a recognised language which is multi-modal, using:

1. Signs
2. Symbols
3. Speech

Resources for Dentistry 

There are resources available on the Makaton Charity's website which can be useful if you treat any of the patient groups above. They have a really useful resource for common dental signs/symbols and the British Dental Association produced an excellent video resource for Learning Disabilities week to raise awareness of the use of Makaton for people with Learning Disabilities accessing dental practices. 

If you want to learn more about Makaton, you can complete courses. I have completed Makaton Level 1 and 2 which was a course over 2 days. Similar to British Sign Language (BSL), to learn more about the language, vocabulary and grammar, you can continue up Levels on further courses. All Makaton courses should be performed by a qualified Makaton Tutor who have to register with the charity and a full list can be found on their website. 

1. Language barriers - ensure you have access to an interpreter if you are concerned that your patient is unable to understand sufficiently to have valid consent. These can be face to face, or via telephone interpreters. When using interpreters always remember that you are the person in control of the consultation. Lead the conversations, but make sure you are addressing the patient directly rather than just talking to the interpreter. You may need to allow for additional time during the appointment for translation. 

2. Visual Impairments - if a person is blind or partially sighted, you need to make sure you are using are talking and describing what you are doing more than normal. Use the person's name so they know they are talking to you, use verbal responses and verbalise your actions - i.e. narrate. Consider audio information or accessible information in large print or braille rather than standard patient information leaflets. 

3. Deaf or Hearing Impairments - I have previously written about how we can make adjustments for this group of patients on Dentistry online for Deaf Awareness week. 

4. People with other Additional Needs - can be a big spectrum of conditions and communication difficulties. Many of these patients will have information about their communication within documentation such as Hospital Passports (for people with learning disabilities or those in care homes), Autism passports or 'This is Me' passport for people living with Dementia. These are really valuable documents which can help you understand the individual in front of you. Never make assumptions about a patient, speak to them, not over them. 

Special Care Dentistry cares for people who might need alternative communicate aids such as Makaton, Communication Boards, Augmented Alternative Communication (such as the communication aid used by Stephen Hawking) or liaison with a patient's Speech and Language Team. If you are ever unsure about communicating with a patient, seeking an opinion from a Special Care Dental team might be appropriate.