An evaluation of a communication skills workshop for dentists: cultural and clinical relevance of the patient-centred interview.

Abstract

The benefits for both doctors and patients of effective communication skills in medical care have been widely documented and are generally accepted. There has been less research on this topic with respect to dental care. However, based on available studies and the reported success of teaching communication skills at the undergraduate level in dental schools, a workshop was developed to improve the communication skills of dentists working in government clinics in Hong Kong. The patient-centred interview as used in medical care formed the basis for teaching communication skills in this workshop. Objective and subjective measures of dentists' knowledge, attitude and skills related to the patien..