ENGLISH FOR DENTISTRY

Module

Compiled By :
DIANA HARDIYANTI , M. HUM

Dentistry Program
University of Muhammadiyah Semarang
2021
English For Dentistry Module

By :
Diana Hardiyanti, M. Hum

Dentistry Program
Faculty of Dentistry
UNIMUS
Topics :

1. Dental English : Tooth anatomy

2. Dental English : Dental terminology
3. Doctor- patient interaction
4. Case study 1 : routine check up
5. Case study 2 : paediatrics
6. Case study 3: gingivitis
7. Having Discussion
8. Article Review : Immunology on Dentistry
9. Discussion
10. Article review: Enamel
11. Discussion
12. Article review : Gingivitis
13. Article Review : Gingivitis
 Dental English
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Tooth Anatomy
Humans have two sets of teeth, the baby teeth (also called the primary teeth) and the
permanent teeth. Children have 20 primary teeth; they are replaced by the permanent
teeth by about age 13. Adults have 32 permanent teeth.

A. Tooth Glossary:

Bone - the hard supportive tissue in which the tooth's root is anchored.
Crown - the visible part of a tooth.
Dentin - the hard but porous tissue located under both the enamel (and cementum)
of the tooth. Dentin is harder than bone.
Enamel - the tough, shiny, white outer surface of the tooth.
Gum - the soft tissue that surrounds the base of the teeth.
Nerves and Blood Vessels - nerves transmit signals, and blood vessels carry nutrients
to the tooth - they run through the tooth's root within the pulp.
Pulp - the soft center of the tooth. The pulp contains blood vessels and nerves; it
nourishes the dentin.
Root - the anchor of a tooth that extends into the bone of the jaw. The number of
human tooth roots ranges from one to four.

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B. Fill in the blanks with the words below
root canal braces cavity
dental hygienist getting a tooth pulled dental floss
tooth decay molar teeth filling
novocaine

Next week I have to go to the dentist's office. I am always nervous to go because I

usually have a _______________. The dentist has to put a _______________ in it to fix
the tooth. I don't like it one bit.

Actually, I don't even like seeing the _______________ who cleans my teeth. It hurts
when she scrubs away at my teeth. Last year, when I was at the dentist, I asked for
some _______________ before they cleaned my teeth. I was informed that this drug
was only given for really painful procedures like _______________. I wasn't happy
about that at all. The dentist told me that I should use _______________ to clean my

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teeth if I didn't want to get so many cavities. One tooth was so bad that I needed
a _______________. This is not a fun experience. Besides having a lot of
_______________, I also have some crooked teeth. I should probably get
_______________, but I don't think I will. They cost a lot of money. I figure that as long
as I have my _______________ I can still chew my food. That is all I am worried about
for now. One day I will start taking better care of my teeth. I'm sick of painful trips to
the dentist's!

C. Read the conversation below

Sam (Dental Hygiene): Hello.

Gina (The Dental Hygienist): Hello Mr. Waters. I'm Gina. I'll be cleaning your teeth
today.
Sam : Dr. Peterson has just filled two cavities. Why do I need a cleaning?
Gina : Well, we have to make get your teeth and gums clean and disease free.
Sam : I guess that makes sense.
Gina : Oral health leads to trouble-free teeth. I'll start off by removing plaque.
Please lean back and open wide.
Sam : OK, I hope it's not too bad.Gina: Everybody gets plaque, even if they floss
regularly. That's why it's important to come in twice a year for check-ups.
Sam : (getting his teeth cleaned, can't say much...)
Gina : OK, please take a drink and rinse.
Sam : Ah, that's better.
Gina : OK, now I'll apply some fluoride. Which flavor would you like?
Sam : I have a choice?
Gina : Sure, we have mint, spearmint, orange or bubble-gum - that's for the kids.
Sam : I'd like to have the bubble-gum!
Gina : OK. (applies fluoride) Now, let me give your teeth a final flossing.
Sam : What type of floss tape do you recommend?
Gina : Personally, I like the flat tape. It's easier to get between the teeth.
Sam : OK, I'll remember that the next time I buy floss. How often should I floss?
Gina : Everyday! Twice a day if possible! Some people like to floss after every
meal, but that's not absolutely necessary.
Sam : (after finishing the cleaning) I feel much better. Thank you.
Gina : My pleasure. Have a pleasant day, and remember to floss every day - at
least once a day!

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Dialogue comprehension quiz. Circle T if the statement is true or F if it is false.
1. The dental hygienist is responsible for drilling cavities. (T / F)
2. Teeth need to be cleaned regularly. (T / F)
3. The dental hygienist begins by removing plaque. (T / F)
4. There are different flavors of fluoride. (T / F)
5. Flossing every day is not so important. (T / F)

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 Case Study 1: Routine Check-up
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Introduction: Meet Dr. Lee
My name is Dr. Lee, and I practice General Dentistry.
Today I will be giving you an idea of what a typical
day is like for me. As you are a student here, I will
be sure to explain basic information as we go from
patient-to-patient. I expect to see a diverse group
of patients with a variety of issues and concerns,
giving you a thorough lesson on general oral health.

Lesson 1: Adult Teeth

Introduction
My first patient today is John, a 55-year-old male, in for a routine check up and cleaning.
He is a non smoker, does not take medication, and has no history of periodontal
disease.

Dr. Lee to John: “Hi John. Today we will be examining your teeth, and then you will
receive a thorough cleaning. I hope you don’t mind your mouth to train these future
oral health care providers.”

Like everyone, John has had two sets of teeth. His first set of teeth, or primary
dentition, contained 20 teeth. These “baby teeth” were replaced by 32 adult teeth,
called permanent dentition or secondary dentition. Most adults have 32 teeth;
however, some have more and some have less. Permanent teeth erupt around age 6
as the baby teeth (deciduous teeth) are exfoliated.

Dr. Lee to John: “Would you give us a big smile?”

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Notice how the teeth are generally arranged in upper and lower semicircles around the
mouth The upper jaw, or maxilla, forms a semicircle of teeth called the maxillary arch
and contains the maxillary teeth. The lower jaw, or mandible, forms a semicircle of
teeth called the mandibular arch and contains the mandibular teeth. The occlusion, or
bite, is the contact between the upper and lower sets of teeth. The teeth in the front
are the anterior teeth, while the teeth in the back are the posterior teeth. Each jaw can
be divided into two sections giving us four quadrants – two on the upper and two on
the lower.
The midline in the mouth is the imaginary medial line in each arch that runs from front
to back. The midline serves as a general guide for identifying other surfaces and
structures in the mouth.

So that John doesn’t have to keep his jaw open through this lesson, I’ll use a diagram
to illustrate and explain oral anatomy. There are four quadrants of teeth, as shown in
this diagram–the upper right, upper left, lower right, and lower left.

To review the adult teeth locations, we will start from the back of the mouth and move
forward.

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The molars are grinding teeth. There are usually six in each of the two jaws—the
mandible and the maxilla.
A bicuspid is a tooth that has two cusps, or rounded parts. It is also known as a
premolar. Molars and bicuspids are located in the posterior, or back, of the mouth.

Canines are sharp, pointed, tearing teeth. There two in each jaw, and they are also
known as cuspids or eye teeth.

Incisors are the front cutting teeth. There are four in each jaw: two central incisors
(front) and two lateral incisors (side). Canines and incisors are found in the front, or
anterior, of the mouth.
John had his wisdom teeth removed in his early 20s, but you can see on the diagram
where they normally appear. “Wisdom teeth” is actually the lay term for the third
molars. Wisdom teeth are located in the posterior part of the mouth.
Exercise
A. Dental terminologies
Terms Definitions Lay terms
1 periodontal
disease
2 Maxilla Upper jaw Rahang atas
mandible Lower jaw Rahang ……..

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 3 primary dentition/ Gigi susu
baby teeth
4 permanent Gigi ………
dentition/
secondary
dentition/ adult
teeth
5 molars Geraham
6 bicuspid Gigi ……
7 Canines Gigi …….
8 premolar Gigi premolar
9 molar Gigi geraham

B . Explain human 4 types of teeth and their function ( incisors, canines,

premolars, molar )

Lesson 2: Major Sections of a Tooth

Each tooth consists of two major sections: the crown and the root. The crown is about
1/3 of the tooth, the root is about 2/3. The crown is the visible part of the tooth above
the gum line.

Dr. Lee to John: “Could you do us a favour and demonstrate with a big smile?”

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Those pearly whites are the crowns. The root is not normally visible in the mouth. In
healthy teeth, the root is below the gum line and anchors the tooth to bone. The root
canal runs down the tooth’s root and contains pulp.

A “root canal” also refers to a procedure dentists perform to treat diseased pulp in the
root canal. The treatment involves removing the diseased root tissue and filling the
canal with an inert material.

Lesson 3: Tooth Structures

Dr. Lee to John: “John, show us that big smile again.”

Enamel is the hard, white, protective material that covers the outside of the crown of
the tooth. Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. We can see that the
enamel is the outer covering of his teeth.

Dentin, (dentine outside the U.S.), is the sensitive, calcified tissue underneath the
enamel. Dentin forms the bulk of tooth structure and surrounds the pulp.

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Pulp is the soft mass of tissue in the center of the tooth that is surrounded by dentin.
The pulp contains nerves and blood vessels that nourish the tooth. Pulp is located in
the center of the tooth and resides in both the crown and root.

Cementum is the thin, calcified bone-like tissue that covers the roots of John’s teeth.
It provides an attachment point for periodontal fibers withinthe periodontal ligament.

John’s teeth are surrounded by supporting structures collectively known as

periodontium. These tissues include the gingiva, cementum, periodontal ligament, and
alveolar bone.

The periodontal ligament, also called the periodontal membrane, attaches to the
cementum, which covers the root of each tooth. This connects John’s teeth to the
underlying alveolar bone. The alveolar process is the thickened ridge of the alveolar
bone that contains the tooth sockets.

Each tooth is nourished by blood vessels and innervated by nerves that pass through
the root canal into the pulp.

Exercise :
Explain about tooth anatomy :
You may starts with :
This is a picture of tooth anatomy

Dental Terms :
Terms Definitions Lay terms
1 enamel Enamel/ email

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 2 pulp Pulpa
3 dentin dentin
4 periodontium Jaringan periodontal

Lesson 4: Supporting Structures

The gingiva is an important part of the periodontium. In a healthy mouth, the gingiva
is the only exposed periodontal tissue. The gingivae are visible, these fleshy structures
are commonly called “gums.” The gingivae cover and protect the tooth-bearing bones
of the jaw (the mandible and maxilla).

The gingival margin is the top edge of the gingiva surrounding each tooth. The gingiva
extending between two neighboring teeth is the interdental papilla.

The gingival sulcus, or gingival crevice and also called the “gum pocket,” is the crevice
or pocket between the neck of the tooth and the top of the gums, or gingival crest.

Dr. Lee to John: “John, since you’re in for your six-month check-up, we will be checking
the size of your gingival pockets as a measure of your gingival health.”

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Here we can see John’s gingiva. Healthy gingivae have a salmon or coral-pink color,
like his do. Upon closer examination, the tissue of John’s gingiva is stippled and firm,
without embrasure, and the bone level is at the normal height.

Dr. Lee to John: “You must have been flossing regularly, because your gingivae look
nice and healthy.”

We classify the health of gingiva by measuring the depth in millimeters of each gingival
sulcus with a periodontal probe.

Shallower probing measurements are an indication of good health, whereas deeper

measurements can indicate disease. Probing each gingival sulcus reveals that they are
between 1 mm and 3 mm in depth, a healthy amount.

Dr. Lee to John: “Your gingival pockets look healthy and firm … keep up the good oral
care!”

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Summary
Dr. Lee to John: “Now you will receive a thorough cleaning to remove accumulated
calculus as well as polish your teeth.”

Source :
https://www.dentalcare.com/en-us/professional-education/ce-courses/ce542

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3 Case Study : Gingivitis

Introduction
Dr Lee’s patient today is Nina, a 28 -year-old female. She reports swollen
gingivae that are tender and bleed easily. She does not smoke and has
no history of periodontal disease. She recently started taking an oral
contraceptive. We will perform an examination and prophylaxis.

Dr. Lee to Nina: “Hi Nina. Today we will take some pictures of your
mouth, and then we will examine your gums and teeth. Afterward, the
dental hygienist will perform a thorough cleaning.”

Because it has been more than three years since her last visit to the
dentist, Nina receives a full set of dental radiographs, or x -rays, taken by
the dental assistant before the examination. These radiographs can be
exposed on film or can be taken digitally and then can go into the
patients paperless charts. In the U.S., a dental assistant also assists
during examinations and procedures according to local regulations.

Lesson 1: Characteristics of Gingivitis

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gingiva surrounding the teeth, with no
radiographic evidence of bone loss. It is caused primarily by bacterial

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plaque. Probing Nina’s gingivae reveals gingival sulci slightly deeper than
normal. The gingivae show signs of inflammation marked by erythema,
edema, and bleeding. Looking at the image, each silver or black segment
represents 3 millimeters (mm), meaning that this probe is measuring a
sulcus depth of 3 mm. If the gingiva was not swollen, the depth would
be closer to 2 mm, which is normal. Because of inflammation, the pocket
appears deeper than it really is. Plaque and calculus can extend below
the gingival margin into the gingival sulci, caus ing infection. The
radiographs show that Nina’s supporting bony structures are normal.

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Dr. Lee to Nina: “Your teeth are healthy and normal. However, you have
quite a bit of swelling and redness, called “gingivitis,” which is causing
your symptoms.”

Exercise :
A. Dental terminologies
Terms Definitions Lay terms
1 prophylaxis. Profilaksis
2 swollen gingivae Gusi bengkak

3 periodontal
disease
4 Patient’s chart
(medical chart)
5 dental hygienist
dental assistant
6 Gingivitis
7 gingival sulci
8 gingival margin
9 erythema
10 edema,
B . Explain what is gingivitis to your patient.

Lesson 2: Causes of Gingivitis

Dr. Lee to Nina: "Gingivitis is caused by build up of bacterial colonies in
your mouth, as illustrated here, which causes mild infection. Part of the
body’s response to infection is pain and swelling. Recent changes in your
hormones from the oral contracept ive may also affect the sensitivity of
your gums." Studies both in vitro and in vivo have shown that gingivitis
is an inflammatory process caused by poor oral hygiene; gingival
abrasion; stress; general illness; uncontrolled diabetes; smoking; or
hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or puberty. Plaque biofilm
formation is the first phase of the process. The microorganisms that

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form biofilm are almost entirely gram -negative bacteria. Inadequate
interdental plaque removal allows a thick layer of bacteria to accumulate.

Exercise
A. Dental terminologies
T er ms De fini ti ons L a y ter ms
1 in vitro St ud i labo rat / uji
l abo rat
2 in vivo St ud i kl inis ( pake
manus ia se bagai o bje k )
3 P laq ue b i ofi lm De nta l p laq ue

Lesson 3: Progression and Prevention

In some cases, when gingivitis is left untreated, it can lead to a more
serious gum disease called periodontitis, which causes tooth loss. The
good news is that gingivitis is reversible and preventable when treated
with proper oral hygiene and the elimination of risk factors.
This photo gives you an idea of what healthy gingivae will look like before
and after treatment.

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Summary
Dr. Lee to Nina: “Although your teeth are healthy, your gums are
inflamed and bleed easily. Today, we are going to treat your gingivitis
with a thorough cleaning and have you continue with a program of
meticulous oral hygiene at home.” Because gingivitis is caused by build
up of bacterial colonies in your mouth, I recommend twice-daily plaque
removal followed by an antibacterial mouth rinse. Our hygienist will
demonstrate the proper techniques. We will also schedule another
cleaning for six months from now. There is no evidence your oral
contraceptive has any effect on your gingival inflammation. A recent
review of the literature strongly supports oral contraceptives no longer
place users at any increased risk for gingivitis or periodontitis.

Exercise :
A. Dental terms
T er ms De fini ti ons L a y te rms
1 left untreated
2 tooth loss. Gigi t anggal /cop ot
3 meticulous oral K eb er sihan mu lu t
hygiene

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B. As a dentist, what suggestion will you give to Nina ?

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4 Having Discussion

Before Discussion
Whether you use more formal or informal language, it is important to
engage the audience through positive body language and a warm
welcome. Your tone of voice and changes in intonation are additional
useful tools and you might consider asking them relevant questions (real
or rhetorical).

The audience also needs to see a clear and logical structure to follow you
effortlessly. Useful linking expressions, when delivered well, provide
effective ‘bridges’ guiding the audience from one point to the next.

Introduction
1. Good morning/afternoon everyone and welcome to my
presentation. First of all, let me thank you all for coming here
today.
2. Let me start by saying a few words about my own background.
3. As you can see on the screen, our topic today is......
4. My talk is particularly relevant to those of you who....

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 5. This talk is designed to act as a springboard for discussion.
6. This morning/ afternoon I’m going to take a look at the recent
developments in.....

Presentation Structure
1. In my presentation I’ll focus on three major issues.
2. This presentation i s structured as follows....
3. The subject can be looked at under the following headings.....
4. We can break this area down into the following fields....

Timing
1. It will take about X minutes to cover these issues.

Handouts
1. Does everybody have a handout / copy of my report?
2. I’ll be handing out copies of the slides at the end of my talk.
3. I can email the PowerPoint presentation to anyone who would like
it.
4. Don’t worry about taking notes, I’ve put all the relevant statistics
on a handout for you

Questions
1. If you have any questions, I am happy to answer them
2. If you don’t mind, I'd like to leave questions until the end of my
talk /there will be time for a Q&A session at the end...

Sequencing phrases
1. My first point concerns...
2. First of all, I’d like to give you an overview of....
3. Next, I’ll focus on.....and then we’ll consider....
4. Then I’ll go on to highlight what I see as the main points of....
5. Finally, I’d like to address the problem of.....
6. Finally, I’d like to raise briefly the issue of....

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Highlighting information
1. I’d like to put the situation into some kind of perspective
2. I’d like to discuss in more depth the implications of....
3. I’d like to make more detailed recommendations regarding....
4. I’d like you to think about the significance of this figure here
5. Whichever way you look at it, the underlying trend is clear

Conclusion
1. I’d just like to finish with the words of a famous scientist/
politician/ author.......
2. Now let’s go out and create opportunities for...!

Hopefully, these phrases help you to vary your vocabulary for clear,
well-structured presentations with a logical joined -up flow. The most
important thing, of course, is that you are comfortable and conf ident
in your delivery, which helps the audience feels relaxed and ready to
be engaged by your subject matter. Good luck!

Exercise :
This is a video project of Having Discussion. M ake a group of 5 , one
become a moderator, 2 become presenters, and the rest become
audiences.
Discus a theme (immunology, gingivitis) and record your presentation .

Glossary

Rhetorical - (of a question) asked in order to produce an effect or to

make a statement rather than to elicit information
Audience - spectators or listeners at a public event such as a play, film,
concert, or meeting
Effective- successful in producing a desired or i ntended result

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Springboard- springboard is also something that provides an
opportunity to achieve something
Handout- a document given to students or reporters that contains
information about a particular subject
Q&A – an abbreviation for ‘question and answer’

S ourc e :
https: //c hea togr ap hy. com/mkd owne y/che at -she e ts/efl - phra se s- for -group -
d i scu ssi ons/p df/

https: //www. lond onsc hool.c om/b log/30 - u se fu l-p hra se s pr ese ntati ons- e ngli sh/

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 Become a Moderator
5

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6 Article Review

A scientific article, for example journal, will use specific style of writing called
academic writing. The article will have specific terms, and also used academic
writing. It is completely different from everyday communication.
When we want to make a review about a journal, at least we know the format and
its main points. Usually a good journal will have points like : backgrounds, previous
studies, research gap, aim, theory, method , finding and further research. It is
easier for a student to make a matrix from the journal we read.
The matrix will have these points below :
• Title
• Problems statements
• Grand theory
• Methods
• Findings
• Suggestion

Problems Implication/
No Title statements Grand Theory Method Findings Suggestion For
Further Reading

Now its time for you to practice. Read the journal and fill in the matrix below

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/eos.12528

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