Hiroyuki Kawaguchi 1), Yukiko Nagatani 2)
1)Department of General Dentistry, Hiroshima University Hospital
2)Department of Dental Hygiene, University of Shizuoka Junior College
Tetsuro Konoo
Kyushu Dental University, Division of Comprehensive Dentistry
Communication education in dental medicine has gained attention as an important subject in the training curriculum for dental professionals since the Heisei era. However, because of its relatively short history and the difficulty in establishing a comprehensive framework, it seems to be more challenging to approach than other subjects, and few educators specialize in communication education and research in dental medicine. Therefore, this article aims to provide an easy-to-understand learning experience for dental professionals involved in communication education in dental medicine and for educators who will engage in educational research in the future. In this article, we first interpret the major trends in communication education in dental medicine from the white paper on dental education. Next, we discuss the factors that are believed to influence communication education. Additionally, we introduce some of the research and education that we have conducted to contribute to communication education. Finally, we discuss the challenges and future prospects of this type of education. Those who wish to learn about the content in more detail should refer to the references. We hope that this article will contribute to education and research in medical communication in dental medicine and further promote collaborative healthcare.
Yoshiaki Okamoto 1) , Megumi Hiyama 1)
1) Medical Corporation Yusenkai Himawari Dental Clinic
This article examines the role of communication in the medical field and the practical actions of a community-supporting multi-functional dental clinic. Our clinic in Hiroshima prefecture provides treatment under general anesthesia and home visit medical treatment for high-risk patients such as children, people with disabilities, and older people with dementia, as well as therapy for dysphagia, based on “education,” “community contribution,” and “diverse work-style.” Additionally, the clinic has a cafe that is run by a registered dietitian to conduct health promotion among local residents. These efforts are being undertaken in the context of the “2040 problem” surrounding dental care. As managers of dental clinics age, they commonly take over the business or close their clinics, and problems such as a lack of dentists in certain areas and uneven distribution of dentists have been reported. We propose that flexible applications that correspond to the characteristics of each region are required. Furthermore, we explore a new style of dental care which contributes to solving problems of patients and local communities through education about communication for the next generation of residents.
Eri Sambuichi
Department of Oral Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Meikai University
Dental hygienists are oral health professionals who contribute to improving quality of life and extending healthy life expectancy. Recently, the relationship between oral and systemic health has gained attention, leading to a diversification of the role of dental hygienists. As a result, they are required to have a broad perspective and effective communication skills to interact smoothly with various professionals and patients’ families. However, standardization of specific instructional methods in dental hygiene education has not been fully established, and enhancing practical training remains challenging. Currently, communication education in dental hygiene programs incorporates experiential learning activities such as the “Curse of Knowledge” exercise, basic listening skills training, and medical interview role-playing. These methods aim to foster the ability to understand patients’ perspectives and respond appropriately, thereby improving communication skills and building patients’ trust in clinical settings. In future, establishing objective evaluation methods for communication skills and incorporating digital technologies into education will be essential for creating more practical learning environments. This paper discusses the current state and challenges of communication education in dental hygiene programs and considers future directions for improvement.
Japanese Association of Communication in Dentistry