The effects of systematic human relations training on freshman dental students.

Freshman dental students received training in communication skills via a systematic human relations model. The 35 students participating in the program substantially improved their ability to discern feelings of patients and to communicate with patients in a more understanding and accepting manner. The students thought that the training was beneficial and highly relevant to their future roles as dentists. This kind of training could be offered successfully to other dental health professionals through programs in continuing education.

The use of audiovisual procedures in evaluating oral diagnostic and treatment planning skills of dental students.

In the belief that an examination testing the diagnostic and treatment planning capabilities of junior dental students should involve more than the traditional paper and pencil test, a new test was developed at the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry. Interesting and varied stimuli, such as a videotape, visual aids, and relevant dental data were included as part of this exam. The test was administered, and the degree of student anxiety before, during, and after the examination was measured. In general, students performed well; the majority indicated a preference for this type of examination over the usual paper and pencil test. As expected, anxiety levels increased until the examination was completed and then decreased. Student evaluations were not affected by the degree of anxiety. The inclusion of a variety of materials in a test measuring diagnostic and treatment planning skills resulted in a more challenging examination; the use of a videotaped segment simulating a case history provided consistency in the test material.