Soft-Skills in Health Professional Training: The Case of the Dental Hygiene Program

Abstract

In the field of oral healthcare, soft skills are particularly critical due to the intimate nature of patient-provider interactions. Among other soft-skills, Dental Hygiene professionals must have good communication skills to educate patients about oral hygiene practices, instill confidence, and alleviate anxiety. During their dental hygiene training students are stimulated to understand patients' perspectives, emotions, and cultural backgrounds. By adopting a patient-centered approach, students learn to understand each patient as a whole person, tailor treatment plans to specific individual needs, enhancing patients' satisfaction and compliance. Also, considering that in a dynamic healthcare environment, adaptability and resilience are invaluable attributes, the program prepares students with the flexibility and problem-solving skills needed to face challenges, cope with stress and maintain professional behavior in demanding situations.This chapter emphasizes the significance of soft skills in health professional training, with a focus on the Dental Hygiene Program as a case study.