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Development and implementation of communication skills in dentistry: an example from South Africa
Author(s) -
White J. G.,
Krüger C.,
Snyman W. D.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
european journal of dental education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.583
H-Index - 41
eISSN - 1600-0579
pISSN - 1396-5883
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0579.2007.00488.x
Subject(s) - dentistry , medical education , communication skills , psychology , medicine
Dental students should realise early in their careers – in dental school – the importance of developing and mastering sound communication skills with patients. As a result, the aim of this study was to develop and implement a course in communication skills for third year dental students. The methodology employed in the study comprised the following three phases: Phase I: identification of specific outcomes essential for the dentist to be competitive in the emerging South African dental environment. Phase II: development of an outcome‐based course according to the South African Qualifications Authority format (Purpose, Embedded knowledge, Assessment criteria). Phase III: implementation of the course. Implementation of the course involved a pre‐ and post‐training cycle . The subjects were 67 third year dental students. The following instruments were employed: a study guide; a case study; an assessment rubric; two questionnaires, namely “Patient’s” feedback and “Dentist’s” feedback; a standardised patient. The results were as follows: the class as a whole scored significantly higher during training cycle 2 compared with training cycle 1 ( P < 0.0001). The important roles of trust, empathy and active listening in establishing a meaningful relationship with a patient, which was conveyed by means of the course, were emphasised by the majority of students.