Improving Patient Care Through Cultural Awareness: Clinical Communication and Inclusion in Dentistry
Website: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VhVfqHLRSeeAZgsMD3-ZSw
This event is free for NYSDA members and awards 1.5 Clinical Continuing Education credits.
This clinically oriented webinar examines how cultural, linguistic, and identity-related factors directly influence diagnostic accuracy, treatment planning, pain assessment, informed consent, and compliance with postoperative instructions. Participants will explore evidence-based research demonstrating how communication gaps and cultural differences can contribute to misdiagnosis, treatment delays, complications, and reduced adherence to treatment protocols. Through clinician-led narratives, case analyses, and interactive scenario-based learning, dental professionals will learn practical, clinically relevant strategies to enhance patient assessment, improve procedural communication, and strengthen treatment outcomes for diverse patient populations.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this program, participants will be able to:
- Describe how cultural and linguistic factors influence diagnostic interviews, symptom reporting, pain expression, and treatment decision-making in dental care.
- Identify clinical risks associated with communication barriers—such as inaccurate medical histories, compromised informed consent, anesthesia complications, and poor postoperative compliance.
- Apply evidence-based communication techniques to improve the accuracy of clinical assessments, enhance procedural explanations, and support adherence to treatment protocols.
- Analyze real-world case scenarios where cultural misunderstandings resulted in diagnostic errors or treatment complications, and determine corrective strategies.
- Develop at least three clinical workflow modifications (assessment tools, consent enhancements, risk-mitigation protocols) to improve patient safety and treatment outcomes across diverse populations.
Agenda:
7:00 – 7:05 PM | Welcome & Course Overview
Speaker: Ioanna Mentzelopoulou, DDS – NYSDA D&I Chair
7:05 – 7:10 PM | Program Orientation
Moderator: Fabiola Milord, DDS
7:10 – 7:30 PM | Clinical Narrative: Communication Across Cultures
Speaker: Ivan Vázquez, DDS
7:30 – 7:50 PM | Clinical Narrative: Cultural Factors in Patient Care
Speaker: Emma Guzman, DDS
7:50 – 8:10 PM | Clinical Narrative: Periodontal Diagnosis & Culturally Responsive Care
Speaker: Vera Tang, DDS
8:10 – 8:20 PM | Panel + Interactive Case Discussion
Moderator: Fabiola Milord, DDS | Panelists: Drs. Vázquez, Guzman, Tang
8:20 – 8:30 PM | Clinical Q&A
Dr. Emma Guzman
General Dentist | Wellness Advocate | Community Mentor
Dr. Emma J. Guzman is a dynamic general dentist practicing in New York City, widely recognized for her vibrant personality and her passion for holistic health and wellness. Inspired by her own wellness journey—where therapy, nutrition, and consistent movement transformed her life—she integrates a whole-person approach into her patient care and public speaking.
Dr. Guzman earned her DDS from the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine and completed her general practice residency at BronxCare Health System. Her commitment to service has taken her to Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica, where she provided essential dental care to underserved communities.
A dedicated mentor and role model, Dr. Guzman frequently speaks to students about careers in STEM, supports undergraduates interested in dentistry, and presents on topics ranging from wellness for clinicians to global outreach.
Born and raised in Brooklyn to parents from Livingston, Guatemala, she brings a rich cultural perspective to her work. Outside the office, she enjoys dancing, cooking, traveling, and spending time with loved ones.
Dr. Ivan Vázquez
Pediatric Dentist | Organized Dentistry Leader | Advocate for Representation
Dr. Ivan A. Vázquez is a native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, whose career reflects more than three decades of clinical excellence, mentorship, and leadership in organized dentistry. After earning his Bachelor of Science from the University of Puerto Rico and his DDS from NYU College of Dentistry, he completed his residency and served as chief resident at Interfaith Medical Center, later earning his Pediatric Certificate.
Dr. Vázquez currently practices pediatric dentistry in Hauppauge, NY, and has served for over 30 years as a Pediatric Dental Attending at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx. A respected leader within organized dentistry, he is Past President of the Suffolk County Dental Society, a founding member of the Puerto Rico Dental Association USA, and a Fellow of both the American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists. He has also served as Delegate and Alternate Delegate to both the ADA and NYSDA.
With deep roots in community service and professional mentorship, Dr. Vázquez brings a powerful perspective on identity, adaptation, leadership, and culturally responsive patient care.
Dr. Vera Tang
Clinical Assistant Professor | Vice Chair | Director of Predoctoral Periodontics, NYU College of Dentistry
Vera W. L. Tang, D.D.S., M.S., F.I.C.D., F.A.C.D. is a Clinical Assistant Professor, Vice Chair, and Director of Predoctoral Periodontics in the Department of Periodontics and Implant Dentistry at New York University College of Dentistry (NYUCD). She actively serves on numerous college and university committees, including the Admissions Steering, Senior Academic Leadership Team, NYUCD Alumni Association, NYU Alumni Association, Faculty Senators Council, University Senate, and as Faculty Advisor to the American Student Dental Association.
Dr. Tang has received several accolades, including the American Academy of Periodontology Educator Award in both 2012 and 2014. She is a member of distinguished honorary societies such as Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU), the New York Academy of Medicine, the International College of Dentists, and the American College of Dentists.
Dr. Tang earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree with honors from NYU College of Dentistry and completed her Certificate in Periodontics and master's in dental science at the University of Florida College of Dentistry. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. In addition to her academic roles, she maintains a private practice in New York City, specializing in periodontics.
Dr. Tang is an accomplished lecturer, having presented on regional, national, and international stages on various dental topics. She has also been a regular guest on SiriusXM Doctor Radio and has been cited in health magazines and websites.
Beyond her clinical and academic contributions, Dr. Tang has been an advocate for organized dentistry since 1998. She has held leadership roles in numerous organizations, including the American Academy of Periodontology, American Dental Association, American Dental Education Association, American Student Dental Association, Nassau County Dental Society, New York County Dental Society, New York State Dental Association, and Northeastern Society of Periodontists. Dr. Tang is a past president of the Northeastern Society of Periodontists and the NYUCD Alumni Association. She currently serves as President of the New York County Dental Society.
Moderator:
Dr. Fabiola Milord
Dental Oncologist | Global Health Advocate | Educator & Leader
Dr. Fabiola Milord is a dental oncologist whose career spans clinical practice, global public health, medical missions, and leadership in organized dentistry. She holds a Bachelor of Science from St. John’s University and earned her DDS from NYU College of Dentistry, followed by a General Practice Residency at Metropolitan Hospital Center and a Dental Oncology Fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Her commitment to service has led her to treat patients across the U.S. and internationally in countries including The Bahamas, Ghana, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, South Africa, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent. Recognizing oral health as a human right, she earned a master’s degree in public health from NYU’s School of Global Public Health and is a sought-after national and international speaker.
Dr. Milord is deeply involved in organized dentistry and holds numerous leadership roles, including:
Co-Chair, Pierre Fauchard Academy (NY Section)
Vice President, NYU College of Dentistry Alumni Association
Past President, Nassau County Dental Society
Delegate, New York State Dental Association
Fellow, American College of Dentists
Dental Director, NOAH-NY Medical Missions
Her many awards include the 2025 Faculty of the Year Award from LIJ Medical Center and the Academy of General Dentistry’s 2022 Humanitarian Award.
Dr. Milord maintains a private practice in New Hyde Park, NY, where she brings together her clinical expertise and passion for equitable care. In her downtime, she enjoys relaxing with family and friends.
New York State Dental Association is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.
Concerns or complaints about a CE Provider may be directed to the provider or the ADA CERP at www.ada.org/cerp
