Psychology and Behavioural Sciences in Dentistry (C2)

This module will develop aspects of a student's skills, behaviour and knowledge that are distinct from clinical technical skills. These include patient management, professionalism, case presentation, personal interaction, self assessment and case presentation activities. The module emphasises that effective health care begins with effective communication with patients. In turn effective communication necessitates accurate understanding of the patient's questions, concerns and needs as well as communicating in a way that enhances patient understanding, compliance and satisfaction. Superimposed on this is the patient’s emotional state and psychological well being which impact on the patient's ability to assimilate information and comply with treatment.

The effective management of all these different factors is essential in obtaining the patient’s desired clinical outcome. Students learn to identify and manage behavioural issues encountered in dentistry affecting the individual patient (e.g. strategies for reducing anxiety in nervous and phobic patients), to broader community concerns (e.g. motivating the population as a whole to adopt healthier diet and hygiene practices). This module also provides students with information regarding special need groups who present unique patient management problems.