Attitudes of dental students in a Canadian university towards communication skills learning

Abstract

Strong dentist communication skills (CS) are necessary for patient-centred care and oral health promotion. CS are imparted through the dental education experience, which can be optimised in part by incorporating student perceptions and needs into curricular development. The current study assessed student attitudes towards communication skills learning (CSL) in a Canadian university. A 20-item questionnaire adapted from the Dental Communication Skills Attitude Scale and qualitative survey questions were completed by students (n=124). Questionnaire findings indicate that attitudes towards CSL are generally favourable, with significant variation based on year of study, gender and ethnicity. Students understood the importance of CS for dental practice and patient-centred care. Whilst they appreciated the value of CSL, students described that challenges such as demanding programme schedules would preclude the utility of more formalised CSL activities. These findings may be useful for institutions seeking to implement or refine a CSL curriculum.