DescriptionThis dissertation examines the endogenous organization of dental consultations in Korea. Using the methodology of conversation analysis, this dissertation explicates the particular ways in which tasks and activities are accomplished in Korean dental encounters. The dissertation advances our understanding of the specialty- and culture-specific practices of dental care in Korea as well as the generic practices of social interaction.First, I examine the design of the dentist’s very first turn that initiates interaction with patients and the subsequent interactional trajectories. The analysis reveals that the dentist uses either a task-oriented or a non-task-oriented first turn. With a task-oriented first turn, the dentist moves directly to the business of the visit, facilitating the progression of the consultation. With a non-task-oriented first turn, the dentist invites the patient to engage in the opening activity to produce a more social/personal encounter, postponing the launch of medical activities.
Second, I show how dentists, nurses, and patients collaboratively accomplish the transition into the activity of dental examination. Transitions can be accomplished without referring to the examination as participants closely monitor each other’s talk, bodily conduct, and object manipulation, and make relevant contributions. Dental professionals may explicitly refer to the examination when they anticipate a delay in the other parties’ cooperation. It is demonstrated that participants accomplish transitions smoothly by orienting to local contingencies as well as the routine order of the transition steps.
Third, I show how the dentist presents ‘good’ and ‘bad’ oral hygiene results to patients. Positive oral hygiene evaluations are produced straightforwardly and without delay whereas negative evaluations are not stated outright. The dentist presents images of dental plaque to patients with poor oral hygiene to avoid displaying an overt judgment about patients’ self-management while motivating them to reflect upon their self-care habits.