Affiliation:
1. Centre of Restorative Dentistry Studies, Faculty of Dentistry Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh Campus Sungai Buloh Selangor Malaysia
2. Center of Population Oral Health and Clinical Prevention Studies Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA Sungai Buloh Campus Sungai Buloh Selangor Malaysia
3. Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry University of Manitoba Winnipeg Manitoba Canada
4. Division of Restorative Dental Sciences Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong Sai Ying Pun Hong Kong SAR
Abstract
AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to assess undergraduate dental students' communication skills in relation to patient sociodemographic factors using a three‐perspective approach; the student, the patient, and the clinical instructor perspective.Materials and MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted using validated modified‐communication tools; Patient Communication Assessment Instruments (PCAI), Student Communication Assessment Instruments (SCAI), and Clinical Communication Assessment Instruments (CCAI). Moreover, 176 undergraduate clinical year students were recruited in this study whereby each student was assessed by a clinical instructor, a patient, and self‐evaluation.ResultsThe clinical communication skills domains were not significantly influenced by patient sociodemographic factors, including sex, educational background, and the number of visits (p > .05). However, this study revealed a statistically significant difference in the domain of “caring and respectful” of the SCAI between the low‐ and middle‐income groups.ConclusionsOverall, most of the patient sociodemographic factors did not affect clinical communication skills. However, patient income groups played a significant role in one of the communication domains.