Attitude, bio-ethics, and communication skills in undergraduate dental education

Abstract

Background: With the need to strengthen conative domain competencies, the medical council has introduced the attitude, ethics, and communication (AETCOM) module in the new competency-based medical education. Similar competencies exist in the curriculum prescribed by the Dental Council of India (DCI). Aim: This study aimed to collect the data regarding the perception of dental interns and their awareness of the existing curriculum. Materials and Methods: Eighty-six interns of a single batch participated in the survey. The survey included declaration, voluntary consent, basic knowledge regarding curriculum, their perception regarding DCI and AETCOM competency, and their assessment. Collected data were presented descriptively in figures and scores of perception were analyzed using the single sample Student's t-test. Results: Out of the 78 competency statements, only two DCI competency statements and nine AETCOM competency statements had P values higher than 0.05. Conclusion: Students perceive the increased emphasis on preclinical work and minimal emphasis on interpersonal skills in the curriculum. Students lack confidence in research projects and practice management competency and need additional training after BDS for setting up a practice.