An important aspect of the communication between dentists and patients is based upon an understanding and respect of different cultural backgrounds. Research has demonstrated that there exists a disparity in the perceptions of oral health status across distinct ethnic groups (Newton et al. 2003), and that people in general have a preference for health care providers that share their ethnicity (Noonan 2003). Distinct cultures tend to have very different values, with some placing more emphasis on their oral health than others, and some displaying a better understanding of the consequences of poor health. - See more at: http://www.jyi.org/issue/trust-in-the-dentist-patient-relationship-a-review/#sthash.0XorbUzE.dpuf