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193 - Utilization of Interpreter Services and Parental Satisfaction Among Families with Limited English Proficiency

Friday, May 22, 2026
4:20 PM - 4:35 PM PST
Has Audio

    Presenting Author(s)

  • RUCHI BHAN, DDS

    Pediatric Dental Resident
    University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
    University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
    PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania, United States

    • Co-Author(s)

  • Halima Abukabbos, BDS, MPH, CPH, FRCDC

    Program Director
    University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
    University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

  • AA

    Abimbola Adewumi, BDS,FDSRCS

    Chair
    University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

    • Research Mentor(s)

  • Halima Abukabbos, BDS, MPH, CPH, FRCDC

    Program Director
    University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
    University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

    • Program Director(s)

  • Halima Abukabbos, BDS, MPH, CPH, FRCDC

    Program Director
    University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
    University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

Abstract:


Purpose: To investigate the cost and the impact of the interpreter service utilization on overall pediatric dental visits satisfaction among families with limited English proficiency.





Methods: An in-person surveys and electronic chart reviews were conducted post dental treatment visits among families with limited English proficiency of children younger than 18-year-old and who received dental treatment and utilized interpreter services during the dental visits between June 2024 and July 2025. The data included the patients’ demographic, the cost and the impact of the interpreter service utilization on the satisfaction outcome of pediatric dental treatment among families with limited English proficiency.





Results: Spanish was the most documented language followed by Arabic for interpreter services. Arabic had significantly higher duration in minutes, and total charges.  Seventy-six percent were very satisfied with the overall dental visits experience and 69 percent were satisfied with the use of interpreter service during the child’s dental visit. Most children treated were from 6 to 11 years old age group (42 percent). The majority were Medicaid insured (78 percent).

The most frequent type and number of dental visits were recall visits (33 percent).





Conclusions: Although, the use of professional interpreter services may indirectly contribute to the increase in cost and length of treatment visits, The language barriers can lead to miscommunication, reducing patient satisfaction, quality and safety of healthcare services. The results from this study showed greater satisfaction level with the pediatric dental visits outcomes among families with limited English proficiency when interpreter services were used.











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