The implications of gender stereotypes for the dentist-patient relationship.
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This study assessed whether traditionally based gender stereotypes are applied to dentists. Awareness of gender-driven preconceptions can help dentists anticipate patient expectations that play a role in the clinician-patient relationship. A sample of 106 college students and fifty-four non-college students completed a one-page survey that assessed whether seven traits were viewed as more characteristic of male dentists, female dentists, or neither gender. While there was no trait that over 50 percent of respondents considered more typical of either gender, female dentists were viewed as significantly more likely to make patients feel relaxed and to take time to discuss ailments with them, perceptions found most frequently among those respondents who expressed a preference for a female dentist. Male dentists were perceived as significantly more likely to expect a patient to endure pain without complaints, more devoted to career than family, and more likely to seem to be in charge and to be attracted to the power of their profession. The findings indicate that dental students should be encouraged to consider how patients' preconceived gender-based expectations and assumptions may influence rapport and communication between patients and dentists. (+info)
Dental students' beliefs about culture in patient care: self-reported knowledge and importance.
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In order to decrease the well-documented disparities in oral health and oral health care, the next generation of dentists must be prepared to serve a diverse patient population. This article describes dental students' self-reported knowledge of culture and importance of using culturally sensitive dental practices. Three consecutive graduating classes (n=111) were surveyed anonymously in their sophomore years. Students indicated their self-rated knowledge of oral health and oral health care for their own culture and the cultures of patients they are likely to see in dental practice. Students also rated their perceived importance of culturally sensitive dental practice. Overall, students reported low knowledge of the cultures of the patients they will see in practice. Few students could identify any cultural group that they knew well. However, students as a group indicated that using culturally sensitive practices in dentistry is important. Students who could identify at least one cultural group they knew well perceived cultural sensitivity in dental practice as more important than students who could not. These results suggest that students need cross-cultural training and believe that such training is important. The results also suggest that a specific curriculum that increases knowledge of other cultures may have the potential to ultimately increase the use of culturally sensitive practices. (+info)
Patient satisfaction at rural outreach dental camps - a one year report.
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INTRODUCTION: Dental health care satisfaction is an integral component of the dental healthcare professional's obligation to society. Patient satisfaction is becoming an increasingly important indicator of quality of dental care. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate patient satisfaction at various rural outreach dental camps. METHODS: Between January 2006 and December 2006 data from 551 treated patients at weekly and monthly outreach camps was obtained using questionnaire as a survey instrument. The questionnaire consisted of nine questions, measuring patient satisfaction level over a five-point Likert scale. RESULTS: The results showed that overall mean patient satisfaction with the care received ranged from satisfactory to excellent. The manner of the dental surgeon, dental assistant and other dental staff was observed to be the highest rated category, followed by the initial dental check up at the camp. CONCLUSION: The overall high level of patient satisfaction reflected the dental team's approach of responsibility and accountability of towards the target population. In outreach dental treatment programs, comprehensive oral health care with adequate review of patients should ensure satisfaction in patients. (+info)
New technologies in health care. Part 1: A moral and ethical predicament.
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With the rapid evolution of technology and the development and marketing of new procedures in dentistry, dentists have difficulty keeping pace with all of this new technology and information. How do these clinicians know whether a new product, technique or technological advance is good and should be recommended? At what point do they have an obligation to inform their patients about new procedures supported by research? This first report of a 2-part series investigates the ethical aspects of these issues and describes some of the professional ethical dilemmas and obligations involved when new therapies are offered to the public. (+info)
The role of the dentist in recognizing elder abuse.
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Recognizing abuse is paramount to protecting the increasing proportion of seniors in the Canadian population. Dentists are in an ideal position to identify and signal suspected abuse, as they perform a thorough examination of the head and neck region and generally see their patients twice a year. Good communication skills are necessary to improve dialogue with the patient. This article is intended to provide the dentist with tools to identify abuse and a decision tree to manage and monitor the suspected abused elder. With increased awareness, dentists will play an important role in helping protect seniors from abuse. (+info)
Exploring dental students' perceptions of cultural competence and social responsibility.
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The improvement of basic cultural competency skills and the creation of a greater community-minded spirit among dental students are important parts of dental education. The purpose of our study was to assess changes in dental students' attitudes and beliefs about community service and changes in cultural competencies after participation in a two-year program of non-dental community service (Student Community Outreach Program and Education, SCOPE). During 2003-07, two identical twenty-eight-item surveys were administered to SCOPE participants/completers. In the first, students reported on their attitudes after program completion. In the second, students reported retrospectively on their attitudes prior to starting the program. One hundred twenty-six post- and pre-intervention surveys were matched and assessed for changes in student attitudes after program participation. Based on factor analysis, four distinct scales were identified: 1) community service, 2) cultural competence, 3) communication, and 4) treatment perspective. Over time, statistically significant changes (p<.05) in student attitudes and beliefs were found for scales 1 (p=.017), 2 (p=.001), and 3 (borderline significance, p=.057). Scale 4 showed no significant difference (p=.108). These scales indicate main focus areas to help guide future dentists in acquiring relevant sociocultural competencies and enabling community-minded attitudes. Overall, this study provides support for the addition of a non-dental community service-learning program into the preclinical curriculum. (+info)