Role play between a dentist and a patient with a tooth abscess. Typical dialogue used in OET for dentists – both dentist and patient have an Australian accent. By Virginia Allum (writer of OET for dentists materials)
The OET, or Occupational English Test, is a language proficiency exam specifically designed for healthcare professionals who wish to work or study abroad. The test assesses English language skills in the context of healthcare, including listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
For dentists, understanding dental terminology and patient communication is essential when treating conditions such as tooth abscess. A tooth abscess is a collection of pus that forms in the tooth and its surrounding tissue, often caused by a bacterial infection. Symptoms can include severe toothache, sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
To diagnose and treat a tooth abscess, a dentist must communicate effectively with their patient to understand their symptoms, perform a thorough dental examination, and prescribe appropriate medication or perform a root canal or tooth extraction if necessary.
The OET for Dentists is an important tool for ensuring that healthcare professionals have the necessary language skills to effectively communicate with their patients and colleagues in English-speaking countries. By passing the OET, dentists can demonstrate their ability to communicate accurately and confidently in a healthcare setting, including when diagnosing and treating conditions such as tooth abscess.
