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Photodentistry – an innovative approach to improving students’ empathy and learning experiences in comprehensive patient care
Author(s) -
Ahmad Mas Suryalis,
Radhi Diana Syazwani Muhammad,
Rusle Farah Farhana,
Zul Muhammad Fakhruddin,
Jalaluddin Jamizan,
Baharuddin Izyan Hazwani
Publication year - 2020
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/jdd.12295
Subject(s) - empathy , thematic analysis , psychology , medical education , health care , the arts , dental care , medicine , qualitative research , dentistry , social psychology , economics , economic growth , social science , sociology , political science , law
Objectives Preparing future dental school graduates to provide comprehensive patient care with empathy requires the completion of adequate training in such practice. This study was undertaken to investigate the effectiveness of the Photodentistry learning activity, which uses visual arts, in improving dental students' empathy and learning experience in comprehensive patient care. Methods All fourth‐year undergraduate dental students ( n = 69, response rate = 100%) participated in the Photodentistry learning activity developed by specialists from the areas of dentistry, arts, education, and psychology. A survey using the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (TEQ) was conducted both pretest and posttest, followed by an open‐ended written survey of their reflection towards the learning activity. Quantitative data were analyzed via paired t‐test ( P < 0.05), while qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results There was a significant increase in both students' total mean empathy score and the individual scores for 8 (out of 16) items of the TEQ after the learning activity. Students stated that they had an improved understanding of managing patients in a comprehensive manner (e.g., managing medically compromised patients, performing treatment planning, communication with patients who have special health care needs). Students also reported the development of skills (e.g., observation, critical thinking) and positive attitudes (e.g., empathy, responsibility) towards patients. Conclusion Photodentistry is an effective learning approach for improving dental students' empathy and learning experience in comprehensive patient care.