Translating the message: Ensuring quality spanish-language oral health information

Translation is a critical step in the adaptation of oral health information for Latinos. This is particularly true for Latinos who are Spanish-language dominant. While translating oral health information is common practice, ensuring that the translation is scientifically accurate, of high-quality and successfully conveys key oral health messages in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner can pose a challenge. Critical elements of a quality Spanish-language translation process and team will be discussed by presenting examples from the NIH National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Among the best practices that will be shared are how to approach oral health terms and concepts that are not easily conveyed in Spanish. The implications of quality Spanish-language translations for health education, outreach and research efforts will also be discussed.