Faculty Articles

Improvement in the Interpersonal communication Skills of Dental Students

Publication Title

Journal of Dental Education

ISSN

0022-0337

Publication Date

2-1-2005

Abstract

This study compared the interpersonal communication skills of seventy-eight third-year dental students when interacting with their patients before and after they participated in a thirty-five-hour course that addressed recognition of anxiety, interviewing techniques, patient records, behavior management, and patient relations. Students were evaluated before and after attending the course by psychology graduate students who used a behavioral observation form that measured expressive and receptive communication skills, nonverbal communication skills, professional presentation, and sensitivity to cultural, ethnic, and gender diversity. At the conclusion of this course, students' interpersonal skills were rated significantly higher than prior to the course at the p<.0001 level. The outcomes of this study indicate that effective communication between dental students and their patients may be acquired and refined through a course that addresses basic interviewing skills.

Volume

69

Issue

2

First Page

281

Last Page

284

Disciplines

Medical Specialties | Medicine and Health Sciences | Osteopathic Medicine and Osteopathy

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