Attitudes Of Dentist Towards Communication Skills Learning

Background: Communication is a key component of the patient and dentist relationship. Objectives: This study was done to determine the attitude of dentist toward learning communication skills and to recognizethe factors influencing attitude toward learning communication skills. Materials and Method: A cross-sectional study using a self-administered, 26-item, adapted Communication Skills Attitude Scale (CSAS) was carried out among dentist working in a public sector hospital in Qatar. From the adapted CSAS, positive attitude score (PAS) and negative attitude score (NAS) were determined. Obtained data was statistically analyzed using SPSS version 20 with non-parametric tests. Result: Fifty-nine dentists completed the survey giving an overall response rate of 53.6%. The average (SD) PAS and NAS scores were 3.98 (SD=0.54) and 3.26 (SD=0.49) respectively. Female dentist was more positive towards learning communication skills than male.There was no substantial association was established between both PAS and NAS scores and respondents' age. Conclusion: Dentists' had both positive and negative attitudes towards learning communication skills.It is suggested to presentcommunication skills formal training gatherings based on higher NAS scores.