Enhancing Academic Competence in Future Dentists: Leveraging English for Specific Purposes in Dental Education

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to evaluate the impact of a specialized English for Specific Purposes (ESP) curriculum on the academic and linguistic development of second-year dental students. The article examines the effectiveness of an ESP curriculum tailored for second-year dental students at Donetsk National Medical University. Aimed at addressing the linguistic and professional needs unique to the dental field, the study juxtaposes the academic progression of students engaged in a specialized ESP curriculum against those following a standard English course. The research incorporates a controlled design with 26 participants, divided into an experimental group receiving the ESP curriculum and a control group continuing with conventional English education. The intervention spanned one academic semester, focusing on enhancing English language proficiency, dental vocabulary, and academic skills pertinent to dental studies. Pre- and post-assessment tools were employed to measure improvements in general English proficiency, dental-specific terminology knowledge, and core academic competencies such as reading and comprehending scientific literature, academic writing, and oral presentation skills. The results demonstrated significant advancements in the experimental group, notably in language proficiency and specialized vocabulary, compared to the control group. Qualitative feedback further highlighted increased confidence and engagement among ESP participants, underscoring the curriculum's relevance and applicability to their future professional endeavors.