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DevSeloping Cultural Competence and Social Responsibility in Preclinical Dental Students
Author(s) -
Rubin Richard W.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
journal of dental education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.53
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1930-7837
pISSN - 0022-0337
DOI - 10.1002/j.0022-0337.2004.68.4.tb03764.x
Subject(s) - journaling file system , compassion , cultural competence , service learning , psychology , competence (human resources) , realm , medical education , social responsibility , intercultural competence , reflective writing , pedagogy , medicine , social psychology , public relations , political science , law , data file , database , computer science
Dental student development of cultural competence and social responsibility is recognized by educators as an important element in the overall shaping of minds and attitudes of modern dental practitioners. Yet training modalities to achieve these competencies are not clearly defined, and outcome measurements are elusive. This article shows an effective method to meet these desired outcomes. Sixty‐one freshmen (class of 2005) participated in forty hours of nondental community service, and reflective journals were completed by the end of second year. Competency outcomes were measured by selecting key words and phrases found in the individual journals. Key phrases were related to compassion, righteousness, propriety, and wisdom. Also, phrases had to be accompanied by written indications of direct program causation. The combination of active‐learning (based upon service learning models) in public health settings outside of the dental realm, accompanied by reflective journaling, enhanced cultural understanding and community spirit in the majority of students.