Psychology in Dentistry.ppt

Psychology in Dentistry Alan G. Glaros, Ph.D. Associate Dean Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences The Learners I Enrolled in over 50 schools About 4,400 graduates/year 42% female 12% underrepresented minority Bright, motivated, enthusiastic 3.35 science GPA The Learners II Good at memorization Different motivations Good visuo-spatial skills Tech savvy? Mandatory laptop programs in about 25% of dental schools On-line database searching relatively rare Required Training Nationwide training Cultural competency UMKC School of Dentistry Discipline-based courses Patient interviewing and management Dentistry and Health Consistent brushing and flossing and routine dental hygiene critical to maintenance of oral health Psychology as thescience of behavior Psychology and Dentistry Communications skills and rapport building Dental fears Psychology and Dentistry Pain Acute Chronic Temporomandibular disorders Neuralgias Oral parafunctional behaviors Clenching Grinding (“bruxism”) Psychology and Dentistry Special needs populations Mentally challenged Chronically ill Geriatrics Public health Community interventions Psychology and Dentistry Quality of life Craniofacial abnormalities Edentualism Esthetic dentistry Orthodontics Crowns, veneers Reconstruction Psychology Skills Useful for Dental Students Communication Fear/anxiety management Management of disruptive child Patient interventions to enhance self-care Motivational interviewing Pain management Psychology Skills for Dental Educators Learning how to use handpiece Proprioception Visual learning Challenges With Dental Students Curriculum very technique-oriented Does not foster cognitive skills Psychology not seen as “scientific” or practical enough Institutional Challenges Off-site psychologists Less attuned to issues faced by dental students Curricular time Potential Solutions Collaborative relationships essential “Teach the Teacher” Observational modeling Preparing for the Future Systems-based curriculum Multi-