Acquisition of a touching style.
A qualitative study investigated dental student perceptions of learning to use touch in dental treatment. A focus group design was used to allow volunteer participants (students, general dentistry residents, and dental faculty; n = 41) to discuss issues related to this question. Each focus group was audiotaped for accuracy and transcribed by an independent person. Data gathered were textually and thematically analyzed around the specific questions asked. The data indicated that learning to touch dental patients was often trial and error and uncomfortable for these students. Further, the data suggested that a fine line exists preventing students from asking for assistance and faculty in offering assistance.
Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA. schifter@nimbus.temple.edu
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D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003729:Dental Care; D003812:Dentist-Patient Relations; D004497:Education, Dental; D005179:Faculty, Dental; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013335:Students, Dental; D013637:Tape Recording; D014110:Touch