What term describes the transmission of information between different departments within a dental practice?

The term that describes the transmission of information between different departments within a dental practice is horizontal communication. This type of communication occurs among individuals or groups on the same level of an organization, facilitating collaboration and the sharing of information between departments such as administration, dental hygiene, and clinical operations.

In a dental practice, effective horizontal communication is crucial for ensuring that all departments are aligned and working towards the same goals, such as providing high-quality patient care and efficient service. When staff members communicate horizontally, they can exchange ideas, solve problems together, and address challenges that may arise in different areas of the practice.

Other forms of communication, like vertical communication, typically involve the flow of information up and down the hierarchy, such as between management and staff. Diagonal communication crosses different levels and departments but is less common and typically used in very specific contexts. Informal communication is more casual and can occur outside the formal structure, which may not always lead to clear or efficient information exchange across departments.