Volume 6 • 2019 • Issue 8

27 Issue 8 | 2019 | I ssues and P eople A n initial response was provided by Dr. Mario Brondani, associate professor at the University of British Columbia’s faculty of dentistry, on CDA Oasis (oasisdiscussions.ca ) that included this advice: “Never assume the sex an individual was assigned at birth or gender identity (how they define their own gender) based on the way people express their gender (e.g., clothing, mannerisms, voice). Gender is not binary and it is not either/or; it can be both.” On an intake form, he suggests leaving a blank space for gender, rather than a list of options. Here are some more tips and strategies for creating a practice environment that respects lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) patients and promotes culturally competent care. The text has been edited and condensed from Providing Inclusive Services and Care for LGBT People, A Guide for Health Care Staff , a publication of the National LGBT Health Education Center. CDA received a question from a dentist in private practice about how to address patients using gender neutral titles: “At our office, we are updating our health history form. We ask patients to fill out general information: name, address, phone numbers, etc. But we also ask them to circle Mr. or Mrs. or Ms. . In this age of progressiveness, gender neutrality and inclusion—is this still appropriate? If yes, what prefix should we provide for a gender neutral or transgender person, or a person who doesn’t wish to be identified by gender? We’ve seen suggestions to use “Mx.” or “other.” Do you have a definitive take on this as it’s a subject we don’t want to get wrong—on paper or in person.” Respecting LGBTQPatients: Communication Tips for Your Practice