The effects of communication training on communication competence : a 360° evaluation

Abstract

Communication skills training is essential in dental education, but training effects are often difficult to detect. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of communication training through 360° evaluation. To this end, 127 dental students were questioned with their treatment partners, their course assistants and their patients. 35 male and 92 female students took part in the study from April 2021 to February 2022.

The students’ self-assessment of their communication skills was carried out using a questionnaire at two different points in time. In addition, external assessments of communication skills were obtained from treatment partners, course tutors and patients at one point in time. A five-point Likert scale was available to all participants.

Our study shows that communication training in dental curriculum improves the students’ self-assessment of their communication skills. In addition, some effects were also measurable in the external assessment by the treatment partners and the course tutors. The patient survey showed very good results in both groups.

In summary a one-time communication training course significantly improves students’ self-perception of their communication skills, especially when it comes to more complex skills such as conversation structure and nonverbal communication. Treatment partners and course tutors also confirm improvements, while patients were unable to perceive any differences. The study shows that simple skills can be improved even without training, but complex skills require targeted training. However, longer training and further research are needed for sustainable behavioral changes and objective assessments.