Public Dental Hygienist Andrea Vagnarelli goes the extra mile by using multiple communication methods to ensure her patients understand health information and access the care they need.
“Empowering individuals to care for themselves and their families depends on their health literacy,” says Andrea Vagnarelli, public dental hygienist, New Westminster Public Health. “If they don't understand health information, it’s difficult for families to take the necessary steps to maintain their well-being.”
Health literacy means people have access to clear, accessible health information.
Andrea primarily supports newcomer and low-income families with young children by educating them on proper oral care. “A significant number of the families I serve don’t speak English. This challenge is often compounded when working with children with complex dental needs, where the high cost of treatment is a major barrier.”
Andrea also supports families in navigating government assistance programs to access dental care, which is not covered under MSP.
“Unfortunately, some return without having completed the process. This can happen for several reasons, such as not fully understanding the importance of oral health, competing priorities or feeling unsure about the care provided.”
Cavities are the number one chronic disease in children, and they are preventable. If left untreated, cavities can lead to pain, infection and problems with eating, speaking and learning. Not fully understanding the diagnosis or treatment plan can worsen conditions, resulting in more complex and costly interventions.
In cases of low health literacy, Andrea revisits the conversation to reiterate the importance of dental care and coordinates rebooking appointments with settlement workers, emphasizing the need for continuous education and support.
According to Andrea, families requiring language assistance often need additional support with health literacy. To help communicate clearly, she uses several methods, including:
- Using telephone and video interpreter services.
- Collaborating with settlement and family support workers for language assistance.
- Referring families to newcomer support services like the Immigrant Services Society of BC and the MOSAIC Moving Ahead program.
- Sending information via email, as written materials help reinforce verbal instructions.
- Providing handouts and using pictures or visual aids to explain complex concepts.
“I adapt my communication approach based on each family’s specific needs and level of support required.”
This personalized approach ensures that families receive the appropriate level of support, regardless of their background or health literacy.
“I recently spoke with a father to assess his children’s oral health and ensure there were no immediate issues like pain or infection. I also evaluated their eligibility for government dental programs and provided detailed application instructions via email.” The father later thanked Andrea, sharing that he successfully applied for coverage and scheduled dental appointments for his children.
“It’s rewarding to see that my approach improves individual health outcomes and fosters trust and empowerment within the community.”
