Exploring the missing link - Empathy among dental students: An institutional cross-sectional survey

Evaluation of empathy levels of dentistry students in pediatric dentistry clinical practice education process

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to assess the empathy levels of dental students during their clinical practice training in pediatric dentistry and to evaluate various factors that influence changes in these empathy levels.

METHODS

The study evaluated the empathy levels of a total of 350 students (70 third-year, 140 fourth-year, and 140 fifth-year dental students) who received pediatric dentistry clinical practice training and/or observation between October 2022 and December 2023. The Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy-Student Version was used to assess empathy levels before and after the training. The data were subjected to statistical analysis using the Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Wilcoxon test, and Dunn Test (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

The response rate of the participants was 92.10%. The highest empathy level was observed in third-year students, while the lowest empathy level was observed in fifth-year students. A statistically significant relationship was found between these two variables (p < 0.001). Additionally, the empathy level of female students was statistically significantly higher than that of male students (p < 0.001). Following the completion of the pediatric dentistry training, a statistically significant increase was observed in the empathy levels of the students in comparison to the baseline (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Empathy levels in students are found to be correlated with academic year, sibling count, and gender. It is of paramount importance to enhance empathy skills through training in order to foster the development of human-oriented physicians capable of effective patient communication.

Empathy unmasked: the compassion quotient of dental students

BACKGROUND

Despite an empathic doctor patient relationship being of utmost importance to improve health care outcomes, this aspect is scarcely explored in dental students of Pakistan. This primary objective of the present study was to assess the reliability and validity of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy- Health Professions Student (JSE- HPS) version in a sample of Pakistani dental students. The study also compared the differences in empathy levels of dental students studying in different academic years.

METHODS

This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 304 students from first to final year from selected 02 private and 02 public dental colleges of Karachi, Pakistan from December 2021- January 2022. The self-administered Jefferson Scale of Empathy- Health Professions Student (JSE-HPS) version was used for data collection. This questionnaire includes 20 items that can be answered on a 7-point Likert scale. After attendance sheets were obtained, random student names were marked, and questionnaire distributed by hand to these students. All forms were collected right after to maximize response rate.

RESULTS

A total of 304 forms with complete data were returned, a response rate of 86.9%. Females (97.79 ± 15 94) were more empathetic than males (94.16 ± 12.13) (p = 0.001). Students of third-year were the most empathetic (p = 0.000). Internal consistency of questionnaire was acceptable (Cronbach's α- 0.77). Factor analysis revealed factor related to belief that patient's perspectives improve health outcome had 14 items with factor coefficient > 0.4 contributing to largest proportion of variance (23.15%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows JSE- HPS to have acceptable internal consistency. Structural validity of the scale evaluated by confirmatory factor analysis reported results that were in concordance to those suggested by developers of this scale. In our study population, like other studies, females were more empathic than males. Third-year dental students were more empathetic than students of other undergraduate years.

National Service Scheme (NSS) Training in dental education: Assessment of self reported empathy and clinical performance

Background

To compare self-reported empathy scores, clinical performance between National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers and non-volunteers in dental schools; and to predict clinical performance score using self-reported empathy score.

Material and Methods

A cross sectional survey of 336 undergraduates from 16 dental schools in Andhra Pradesh state, India was conducted using Google forms. The questionnaire was divided into four sections. Section A consists of a single question asking whether a graduate is a NSS volunteer or not. Section B consisted of Jefferson Scale of Empathy Health Profession Students' Version (JSPE-HPS) with 20 items based on a 7-point Likert scale. Section C was designed to investigate students' self-confidence in performing 35 clinical procedures on a 5-point Likert scale. Section D gathered information related to clinical exam score in external practical assessment during final year. The data collected were subjected to appropriate statistical tests.

Results

The JSPE-HPS score between NSS volunteers (91.52+7.35) and non-volunteers (76.21+5.42) was significantly different. The overall self-reported clinical score was 3.57+.34 and 3.08+.43 for NSS volunteers and non-volunteers respectively (p=0.000). Also, the mean clinical performance score was higher for NSS volunteers (501.15+53.97) compared to non-volunteers (445.03+34.94). The JSPE-HPS scoreswere positively associated with clinical performance scores (r=0.559). Furthermore, we discovered that JSPE-HPS scoresignificantly predicted clinical exam score (β = 2.959, p< .000).

Conclusions

NSS training enabled dental undergraduate students acquire empathy and clinical skills during their education. Key words:Clinical Skills, Dental Education, Empathy, National Service SchemeCare Team.

Leadership competencies for dentists: What do undergraduate students think?

Dentists face difficult situations and challenges every day, but undergraduate dental students in Pakistan are not formally taught leadership skills or assessed for these skills. This study aims to explore the perception of undergraduate dental students on various leadership competencies. A multi-institutional cross-sectional observational study was conducted on undergraduate students in five institutions by using universal sampling technique. Students were asked to self-assess various leadership competencies for dentists based on 15 competencies using a validated questionnaire utilizing Likert scale response format. Responses to these items were presented as frequency and percentage. The overall scores were presented in mean and standard deviation and median and interquartile range. The differences in median scores of all items of the questionnaire between male and female students were determined with Mann Whitney U tests. The year-wise differences in the median of all response items of the questionnaire were determined using Kruskal Wallis H test. A total of 750 students, of which 570 (76%) were females and 180 (24%) were males, participated in the study. Most of the students (n = 708, 94.4%) did not attended any leadership course or workshop in the last five years. Majority of the students perceived that their leadership competencies were fair to excellent. Empathy was perceived as 'excellent' by the majority of the students (n = 294, 39.2%). Majority of the students (n = 319, 42.5%) perceived that their 'authenticity' skills were 'good'. Statistically significant differences were reported between male and female students in most of the leadership skills including 'compassion', 'advocacy skills', 'inquiry skills', 'empathy', 'integrity', 'ability to build trust with others', 'managing conflict', 'leading groups/teams', 'dealing with difficult personalities', and 'likelihood to exercise leadership during a crisis' (p < 0.05). There were also significant differences in the median item scores in 13 out of 15 leadership domains and the year of study (p < 0.05). The study identified the perceptions of students regarding different leadership competencies. It gives indications that which leadership competencies need to be incorporated, promoted, and enhanced in leadership curriculum to make them effective dental practitioners and leaders in future. Incorporating these targeted leadership courses into the curriculum can provide participants with the opportunity to refine their existing leadership strengths and develop a well-rounded set of competencies essential for making a significant contribution in their chosen fields.

The association of empathy and the work-family conflict in doctors of dental medicine

OBJECTIVES

Work-family conflict is a growing problem worldwide, because of changing work-family demographic trends and the spread of technology. Empathy, as the ability to understand and share the feelings of other people, is the essential component of emotional intelligence that plays a crucial role in healthcare settings. This study aimed to assess the level of emotional empathy and investigate its relationship with work-family role conflicts among dental medicine doctors.  Materials and methods: In this study participated 589 doctors of dental medicine from Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The questionnaire included general and demographic data, the Emotional Empathy Scale questionnaire and the Work and Family Role Conflict Assessment Scale questionnaire.  Results: The research results indicate no significant association between empathy and conflict between work and family roles (R = 0.032, p = 0.435). Women have achieved significantly higher scores in Emotional Empathy Scale (p ≤ 0.001), while there was no difference in Work and Family Role Conflict Assessment Scale according to gender (p = 0.194). A difference in emotional empathy was observed depending on where the respondents were employed (p = 0.045) and depending on the specialisation of the dental medicine (p = 0.021).  Conclusion: Female doctors of dental medicine demonstrated higher emotional empathy while the work-family role conflict is experienced equally by both genders.

Psychometric properties of the Greek version of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy and empathy levels in Greek dental postgraduate students

PURPOSE

The aims of this study were to: (1) examine the psychometric properties of the Greek version of JSE-HP and (2) explore empathy among Greek dental postgraduate students.

METHODS

The JSE-HP scale was translated into Greek using the back translation method. The questionnaire was given to 111 dental postgraduate students between November 2017 and February 2018. A random sample of 25% was retested to assess test-retest reliability. The reliability of the Greek version of JSE-HP was measured with Cronbach's alpha (α) and Discrimination Indices (DIs). Exploratory Factor Analysis, with varimax rotation of the factorial axes, was used to examine the dimensionality and the factorial validity of the Greek version of the JSE-HP. Comparisons between groups of postgraduate students were performed as appropriate with the Kruskal-Wallis or the Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS

The response rate was 100%. The mean age was 28.9 years. The reliability, in the sense of internal consistency of the questionnaire was considered satisfactory (Cronbach's alpha: 0.76, average DI: 0.33.) The test-retest reliability was satisfactory (Pearson's r = 0.77, p < 0.001). Factor Analysis revealed 7 significant factors. No statistically significant differences in empathy scores were found among groups of postgraduate students.

CONCLUSIONS

The Greek version of the JSE-HP shows good psychometric properties. Empathy scores do not differ among Greek dental postgraduate students.

Empathy of dental students and educators in French hospitals: A cross-sectional study

Empathy is a key factor in the dentist-patient relationship. The aim of this study was to determine empathy in dental students and educators in French hospital dental services. A cross-sectional study was conducted among dental students and educators who practiced in 10 hospital dental services affiliated with the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Lorraine in France. A questionnaire was self-administered online using the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy (JSPE). The study included 209 participants comprising 50 students in fourth year, 66 students in fifth year, 48 students in sixth year, and 45 educators. Participants were 63.6% females, aged 27 ± 8 years. The mean empathy score was 109.40 ± 11.65. The sub-scores of the three dimensions were 57.02 ± 6.64 for Perspective Taking, 42.56 ± 6.22 for Compassionate Care, and 9.78 ± 2.61 for Walking in the Patient's Shoes. Females showed significant higher empathy scores than males (111.36 vs. 105.84). The empathy score was correlated with age and insignificantly decreased during clinical training (from 110.06 in fourth year to 106.63 in sixth year). French dental students and educators showed high levels of empathy.

Empathy level towards patients among thai dental students: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to develop the Jefferson scale of Empathy - Health Professions student version (JSE-HPS) for the dental student in the Thai version and assess the empathy level in students across gender, universities, and year of dental education.

METHODS

JSE-HPS original version was translated to develop the draft Thai JSE-HPS version and was administered to 5 dental students for a pilot test. The final questionnaires (JSE-HPS) were completed by 439 dental students from five public universities and one private in Thailand in the 2021-2022 academic year. The internal consistency and reliability (test-retest) of the questionnaires were tested by using Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Factor analysis was used to examine the underlying factors of the JSE-HPS (Thai language).

RESULTS

The JSE-HPS represented good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.83). Factor analysis revealed, "Compassionate Care", "Perspective Taking" and "Ability to stand in Patients' Shoes" as the first, second, and third factors, respectively. The mean empathy score of dental students was 114.30 (SD = 13.06) from the total score of 140. There were no significant differences in the empathy levels among genders, study programs, grades, universities, regions, types of universities, and years of study.

CONCLUSION

The findings confirm the reliability and validity of the JSE-HPS (Thai version) to measure the empathy level among dental students. Integrating empathic elements into the dental curriculum will help student learning to be more effective and improve treatment outcomes.

Appraisal of empathy among dental interns and postgraduate students at King Abdulaziz University: A cross-sectional study

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES

Empathetic communication of dentists with their patients is a primary characteristic of their health care. This study aims to evaluate dental students' empathy levels during the transitional period of internship and postgraduate studies of different specialties at one of the oldest dental schools in Saudi Arabia and explore how this empathy was affected by gender, age, and study duration.

METHODS

In this study, the self-reported empathy level among the participants was assessed using the Jefferson scale of empathy-student version (JSE-HPS). This survey includes a 20-question Likert scale formulated to measure clinical empathy in health care professionals. The JSE-HPS was distributed to all registered dental interns and postgraduate students during the academic year 2019-20 in King Abdulaziz University Faculty of Dentistry (KAUFD), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

RESULTS

Mean total score of empathy of the participants was (101.07 ± 14.8) with a response rate of 89%. A statistically significant higher empathy score appeared among dental postgraduate students in general (p = 0.04) and specifically among the females (p = 0.04) and those with postgraduate programs for more than four years, (p = 0.02). Dental postgraduate students scored significantly higher in the parameters of standing in patients' shoes (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Gender, academic level, and duration of postgraduates' studies influenced empathy more than the age of the dental graduates in KAUFD. Our recommendation is to integrate empathy into the dental curriculum emphasizing interactive communication skills and early patient contact.

Physician empathy during crisis: A survey of doctors in COVID-19 pandemic (COPE study)

Background

There is a lack of research studies on physician empathy levels towards patients, which is a critical component of providing high-quality patient-care and satisfaction. Our study aimed at assessing the physician-reported empathy levels towards patients during a crisis like the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Cross-sectional online-based survey was conducted among 409 practicing doctors from varied healthcare levels during the pandemic. We used a validated Jefferson Physician's Empathy (JPE) - Health Professional (HP) version questionnaire. Empathy score was expressed as a median and interquartile range, and the analysis was done in STATA 12.1 (StataCorp LP, Texas, USA).

Results

Among the survey respondents, 55% were between 26-35 years, 56% were from the government health sector, and 57% were male doctors. Overall physicians' empathy score was 100 (89, 113). The empathy score among physicians engaged in OPD duty was significantly higher (p = 0.022). A total of 70.0% of physicians consulting more than 50 patients/day reported a score ≤105 (p = 0.035). Physicians aged more than 40 years (AOR = 2.545, 95% CI = 1.1133, 5.8184) and those working in government healthcare centers (AOR = 2.711, 95% CI = 1.1372, 6.4616) were about three times more likely to have a score >105 compared to younger physicians (p = 0.027) and private practitioners (p = 0.024).

Conclusion

Physician-reported empathy scores during the COVID pandemic were high. Middle-aged physicians involved in OPD consultation and those working in government healthcare recorded good scores. However, reporting lower empathy scores when the patient load increases highlights the need for administrative and medical education interventions.

Improving oral health care accessibility for homeless and vulnerably housed pet-owning populations

Individuals experiencing homelessness face unique barriers to oral health care. In collaboration with local universities in Ottawa, Canada, research was conducted to explore the experiences of Community Veterinary Outreach (CVO) clients in accessing oral health care. CVO utilizes a One Health approach, providing preventive veterinary care alongside human health care services to promote health service uptake among pet owners experiencing homelessness. Based on the results of 4 research projects, this short communication proposes recommendations for promoting accessible oral health care and increasing service uptake at One Health clinics by CVO clients experiencing homelessness. Relevant themes leading to the recommendations were 1) barriers to care, including financial and individual circumstances, and discrimination by service providers; and 2) facilitators of care, including the presence of pets, compassionate care, and care received in community settings. Recommendations to improve accessibility of oral health services for CVO clients are 1) continuation of pet-friendly services; 2) delivery of oral health care in alternative settings; and 3) reduction of discrimination through continuing education for oral health professionals. It is hypothesized that the implementation of these recommendations will improve oral health care service accessibility and uptake among clients at CVO clinics and in the community.

Comparison of Self-Reported Empathy Levels among Dental Undergraduate Students in Northern India: A Questionnaire-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Context:

Empathy is one of the fundamentals of communication relevant within the practice of dentistry, and the research is limited in this field.

Aims:

The present study was conducted to assess the self-reported empathy levels among dental undergraduate students in Lucknow city of Northern India.

Settings and Design:

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among three dental colleges of Lucknow city during July 2019–September 2019.

Subjects and Methods:

E-survey link was circulated among 790 students through e-mails. It has two parts. The first part included sociodemographic information, wherein the second part, the empathy level of students was assessed using the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy-Health Profession Students Version Questionnaire. The possible score range is 20–140: the higher the mean score, the higher the self-reported empathy level.

Statistical Analysis Used:

The data collected were analyzed using SPSS software version 24. Chi-square test was used to test gender distribution differences among different years. One-way analysis of variance including post hoc tests was used to compare the differences between study variables.

Results:

The mean ± standard deviation empathy score was 92.55 ± 11.85, 91.85 ± 12.23, 93.25 ± 11.24, 93.37 ± 12.31, and 88.34 ± 12.01 among the first-year, second-year, third-year, final-year, and interns' students, respectively, with a statistically significant difference.

Conclusion:

It can be concluded from the results of the present study that the mean empathy score was highest among final-year students which is suggestive of the impact of education in behavioral sciences.

Three-dimensional printed model of impacted third molar for surgical extraction training

OBJECTIVES

Extraction of impacted mandibular third molars is one of the most common surgical procedures performed at dental clinics; however effective training models for teaching oral surgery to dental students are limited. This study aimed to use three-dimension (3D) printing technology to develop an effective training model for impacted third molar extraction.

METHODS

The data for the 3D model were digitally processed using high-resolution computed tomography, and two common, but different patterns of impacted third molars were simulated using computer-aided design. Thereafter, the model was printed using the 3D-printing technology, and the efficiency of the 3D-printed model and an animal model (pig mandible) were compared using a five-point Likert scale by 35 oral surgeons in the oral surgery department and 208 students of stomatology in the internship stage.

RESULTS

The 3D-printed model consisted of three parts: a non-replaceable part (i.e., the body of the mandible and the teeth from the left first molar to the right first molar) and two replaceable parts (i.e., the part of the ascending ramus of the mandible, as well as the second and third molars). It was covered with a layer of rubber-like material to simulate the gingiva. For the comparison between the 3D-printed and animal models, a total of 205 questionnaires were collected. Both oral surgeons and students agreed that the 3D-printed model was better than the animal model in terms of total value and the anatomy of the bone and teeth, simulating the surgical procedure (p < 0.05), while the two models achieved similar results for haptic feedback of the soft tissue (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The 3D-printed model is realistic and effective for learning impacted third molar extraction and received positive feedback from students and oral surgeons. This model can significantly improve the pre-clinical skill training of dental students.

Measuring Empathy among Dental Students and Interns: A Cross-Sectional Study from Dammam, Saudi Arabia

Objective

To evaluate empathy and its related factors among undergraduate dental students and interns enrolled in a public dental college in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

Materials and Methods

This cross-sectional study used the Jefferson Scale of Empathy-Health Profession Students (JSE-HPS) version to determine empathy in 362 dental students and interns in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The JSE-HPS is a 20-item 7-point Likert scale questionnaire, and its score ranges from 20 to 140 with high values indicating increased empathy. Influences of age, gender, class year, previous year's grade point average (GPA), educational attainment of parents, and monthly family income on empathy were evaluated.

Results

Of 501 enrolled students and interns, 362 returned completed questionnaires, and the response rate of the study was 72%. The sample's empathy score (JSPE-HPS scale) ranged from 70 to 129 with a mean of 96.75 (±13.76). Most participants believed that empathy is important for effective communication with patients (96.1%) and can improve the provider-patient relationship (95.6%). Females demonstrated a significantly higher mean empathy score (99.98 ± 14.01) than males (92.72 ± 12.35) (P < 0.001). Similarly, the participants with high GPA (98.06 ± 13.69) had significantly greater mean empathy scores than those with low GPA (94.84 ± 13.68) (P=0.029). The mean empathy score increased significantly from junior students (3^rd and 4^th year students) to senior students (5^th and 6^th year students) and interns (P=0.008). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that class year (B = 2.03, P=0.006) and GPA (B = 8.67, P=0.003) were significant factors associated with empathy.

Conclusions

Empathy is important for effective patient communication and improved provider-patient relationship. Female gender, high GPA, and class years were associated with empathy. Empathy should be integrated into dental curricula for effective student learning and positive patient care outcomes.

What impact does postgraduate clinical training have on empathy among Japanese trainee dentists?

BACKGROUND

Enhancing empathy in healthcare education is a critical component in the development of a relationship between healthcare professionals and patients that would ensure better patient care; improved patient satisfaction, adherence to treatment, patients' medication self-efficacy, improved treatment outcomes, and reduced patient anxiety. Unfortunately, however, the decline of empathy among students has been frequently reported. It is especially common when the curriculum transitions to a clinical setting. However, some studies have questioned the significance and frequency of this decline. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the impact of postgraduate clinical training on dental trainees' empathy from cognitive, behavioral, and patients' perspective.

METHODS

This study included 64 trainee dentists at Okayama University Hospital and 13 simulated patients (SPs). The trainee dentists carried out initial medical interviews with SPs twice, at the beginning and the end of their clinical training. The trainees completed the Japanese version of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy for health professionals just before each medical interview. The SPs evaluated the trainees' communication using an assessment questionnaire immediately after the medical interviews. The videotaped dialogue from the medical interviews was analyzed using the Roter Interaction Analysis System.

RESULTS

No significant difference was found in the self-reported empathy score of trainees at the beginning and the end of the clinical training (107.73 [range, 85-134] vs. 108.34 [range, 69-138]; p = 0.643). Considering the results according to gender, male scored 104.06 (range, 88-118) vs. 101.06 (range, 71-122; p = 0.283) and female 109.17 (range, 85-134) vs. 111.20 (range, 69-138; p = 0.170). Similarly, there was no difference in the SPs' evaluation of trainees' communication (10.73 vs. 10.38, p = 0.434). Communication behavior in the emotional responsiveness category for trainees in the beginning was significantly higher than that at the end (2.47 vs. 1.14, p = 0.000).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, a one-year postgraduate dental training program neither reduced nor increased trainee dentists' empathy levels. Providing regular education support in this area may help trainees foster their empathy.

Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Levels of Empathy among Undergraduate Dental Students in Pakistan

Objective  The purpose of our study is to determine the effect of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the levels of empathy toward patients among undergraduate dental students in Pakistan.

Materials and Methods  A cross-sectional, survey-based study was conducted at Islamic International Dental College, Islamabad, Pakistan. After taking an informed consent, a validated and pretested Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (TEQ) was distributed amongst the undergraduate dental students at two points, one before the COVID-19 existed, and the other after August 7th, 2020, when the COVID-19 cases dropped in Pakistan. Responses were indicated on a five point Likert Scale.

Statistical Analysis  A one-way ANOVA (analysis of variance) was used to compare the TEQ scores between the different years of education at the dental school. Difference within the groups was analyzed using the post-hoc Tukey test. Pre- and post-COVID-19 comparison was done using the Chi-square test (significance level p < 0.05).

Results  A total of 221 out of 260 students in the pre-COVID-19 group, while 210 out of 260 students in the post-COVID-19 group enrolled in the dentistry program participated in the study. Significant difference in the empathy levels was observed in the pre- and post-COVID-19 groups of the same population, i.e., ( p < 0.05). The response rate was 85%.

Conclusions  This study showed an increase in mean empathy scores among the undergraduate dental students after COVID-19, indicating a significant improvement in their empathy levels during the time of COVID-19. It highlights the impact of the pandemic, whereby death and chaos seem to have brought about an improvement in interpersonal harmony.

Empathy amongst dental students: An institutional cross-sectional survey in Poland and Croatia

AIM

To determine and compare levels of empathy and its dimensions in Polish and Croatian dental students.

METHODS

Fourth- and fifth-year dental students (N = 193) at the University of Rijeka and University of Silesia completed questionnaires to determine levels of overall empathy and its dimensions: compassionate care (CC), perspective taking (PT) and ability to stand in someone else's shoes (ASSES). Total empathy and its dimensions were analysed depending on the country of origin, year of study and gender of the participants. The HPS version of the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy was used to conduct the research. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS

The analysis showed no significant differences in total empathy level between Polish and Croatian students (P = .838). However, separate analysis of empathy items showed significant differences between the two groups. Croatian students obtained significantly higher average PT values (P = .021), whilst Polish students had significantly higher CC scores (P < .001). Analysis of Croatian respondents revealed significantly higher ASSES scores in the fourth- and fifth-year students (P = .047). Analysis in the Polish group demonstrated an increase in PT scores from the fourth to the fifth year of study (P = .008).

CONCLUSION

Croatian students scored higher on items associated with cognitive empathy, whilst Polish students displayed higher values in the aspect of emotional empathy. The present results demonstrated an increase in cognitive empathy level in Polish students, whilst in their Croatian colleagues, the level of cognitive empathy decreased with the progression of the academic programme.

A Cross-Sectional Study of Empathy Among Dental Students at King Abdulaziz University

Empathy is the fundamental substructure of moral behavior. Skillful clinicians may not necessarily be successful dentists if they do not have sufficient empathy. The aim of this study was to assess the level of empathy among dental students at King Abdulaziz University with an emphasis on the effect of gender and study level. A cross-sectional study was carried out among third- to sixth-year dental students of King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A validated, self-administered Jefferson Scale of Empathy-Health Care Provider Student Version was distributed in academic year 2016-17 to all 380 students in the third to sixth years. A total of 300 students responded, for a response rate of 78.9%. The results showed that the students' mean empathy score was 84.84±11.28 on a range from 20 to 140. The fifth- and sixth-year students had higher scores than the third- and fourth-year students although the differences were not statistically significant. The mean empathy score of women students was significantly higher (p<0.001) than that of men students, and the women demonstrated significantly better perspective-taking (p<0.001) than the men. This study found that the students were empathetic and had a sense of moral obligation although their mean empathy score was not as high as expected. Integrating empathic, ethical, and professional elements into the dental curriculum is needed.

Gender related changes of empathy level among Polish dental students over the course of training

The appropriate approach to dental patients, developed during the course of dentists' training, is a prerequisite for the holistic treatment of patients. Empathy is an important component of such an approach. This study aimed to determine the levels of empathy among students of dentistry at different stages in their training.The Jefferson Scale of Empathy - Health Profession Students Version was used to conduct the research, and 100 dental students (66 female and 34 male) ranging from first to fifth year participated in the survey. The scale contained 20 questions, with a possible score interval between 20 and 140. A higher score indicates increased ability to express empathy.The level of empathy among dentistry students increased from the first and second to fourth years, where it reached its maximum. During the fifth year, a decrease in levels of empathy was observed.The increase in empathy during the dental course may be correlated with the growth of clinical practice during the subsequent years of study. A slight decrease in empathy in the fifth-year students may be due to the curricular focus on performing procedures, with students having to meet a set target in order to finish the course.

Empathy among dental students: A systematic review of literature

BACKGROUND

Empathy is just as relevant within dentistry, although research is limited in this field and very less is available in the current literature. The demonstration of empathy by dentists has been correlated with decreased dental fear. The authors systematically reviewed the literature to investigate empathy levels among dental students.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was undertaken concerning dental students' empathy, published from November 2016 to June 2018, using manual methods and the PubMed, PMC, PsycINFO, and other databases. Articles not in English and not concerned with dentistry were excluded, and intervention studies intended to enhance empathy, opinion articles, and reviews or reports of nonoriginal research were excluded. Eligible studies were those published from January 1, 2005, to May 31, 2017, in English language. A total of 34 full-text articles were obtained and assessed. Of these 34 papers, only seven publications were considered to have met the inclusion criteria and were directly related to the aim of literature search.

RESULTS

Only seven articles that provided data and evidence describing empathy among dental students were included. Four studies reported that the difference in mean empathy level across the year of study was statistically significant (P < 0.05), and one reported that there was no significant difference in empathy scores between the year levels of study. Three articles reported that males had higher mean empathy score than females, whereas vice versa was found in the remaining four articles.

CONCLUSION

This article demonstrates that there is only a limited evidence to provide the understanding of empathy among dental students. The results indicated that as patient exposure increases, the empathy level decreases among dental students. Furthermore, it is observed that education in behavioral sciences may be effective in increasing self-reported empathy, and further training may be necessary to maintain high levels.

Comparison of student's perceptions between 3D printed models versus series models in paediatric dentistry hands-on session

INTRODUCTION

Dental education emphasises the acquisition of technical skills. Recent advances in 3D printing technologies have enabled the emergence of new educational tools usable in hands-on work sessions. The possibility to print 3D models from CT scans of patients is now available to dental practitioners. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a 3D printed model for paediatric dentistry training and compare it to the reference model used in our faculty.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

3D models were obtained by modifying and printing the CT scan of a young patient using the Voco® Solflex 350 3D® printer and Voco® V-print resin. Thirty-four students were asked to perform a pulpotomy and preparation for a stainless steel paediatric crown on tooth 85 on both the 3D printed model and the industrial model (Frasaco®), and then to answer a questionnaire. The data were analysed using R software.

RESULT

Both models obtained high scores. The learning potential and its applicability to clinical practice showed no statistically significant difference. Although the colour and the simulation of the proximal area disturbed the students (P = 0.009), the 3D models were seen as a good idea (P = 0.012). When it came to model design, the students appreciated the simulation of caries on 3D models (P = 0.0001) and considered the use 3D of models as a more realistic experience (P = 0.017).

DISCUSSION

Although this study has some limitations (number of participants, choice of the models to be compared), it constitutes the first attempt to compare students' perception of 3D and series models. It shows that 3D technology makes it possible to obtain models of similar quality while offering a more realistic experience.

CONCLUSION

There are still many ways in which these models could be improved. For example, modifying the quality of resins could improve the milling sensation, and the design could be improved to achieve better contact points. Nevertheless, these 3D models offer the possibility to give the patient a more central place in the education of future practitioners.

Empathy assessment in healthcare students is highly heterogeneous: A systematic review and meta-analysis (2012-2016)

BACKGROUND

Clinical empathy leads to improved patient satisfaction and better clinical outcomes. Currently, there are multiple empathy scales with minimal or no efforts to produce an integrated definition of clinical empathy which can be assessed sufficiently by only a few scales. Moreover, there is an unclear overall reliability of these empathy scales, hence limiting comparative evaluation.

AIM

To examine which empathy scales have been used in healthcare students and to estimate their overall internal consistency.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed with inclusion criteria any empirical study with quantitative data examining empathy of healthcare students toward patients between 2012 and 2016. A random effects model was used to produce a pooled estimate of the Cronbach’s alphas. The Hakstian-Whalen transformation was used for analyses based on the Rodriguez-Maeda method. Heterogeneity was quantified using the I² statistic and further investigated with subgroup analysis and meta-regression. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots, Egger’s test, Begg’s test, and the trim and fill analysis.

RESULTS

Thirteen scales have been used to assess clinical empathy in healthcare students from forty nine studies with total sample size 49384 students. The most frequently used scale is the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy followed by Davis’ Interpersonal Reactivity Index. The overall reliability was 0.805 (95%CI 0.786-0.823), which is acceptable, but there was heterogeneity and publication bias. Some heterogeneity was explained by the different countries of the studies under investigation and student types but most heterogeneity remained unexplained.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that scales have satisfactory internal consistency but there are a multitude of scales, definitions and empathy components. Future research should focus on standardizing scales and creating consensus statements regarding the definition of empathy and use of appropriate scales.