Developing professionalism: dental students' perspective.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the undergraduate dental students' insight of their professionalism development through Focus Group Discussions (FGD).

STUDY DESIGN

Constructivist approach using qualitative phenomenological design.

PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY

Fatima Memorial Hospital, College of Dentistry, Lahore, from April to June 2011.

METHODOLOGY

Four FGDs of 1st year (8 students), 2nd year (6 students), 3rd year (6 students) and 4th year (6 students) enrolled in Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program were conducted to explore how they have developed various elements of professionalism namely altruism, accountability, excellence, duty and service, honor and integrity, and respect for all; and how professionalism can be further developed in them. The FGDs were audio taped, transcribed and analyzed through thematic analysis. Triangulation of themes and trends were done through content analysis by relating to their respective frequency of quotes. Data verification was done through audit by second author.

RESULTS

Role models and social responsibility were the main reasons in the students' professionalism development thus far with personal virtues and reasons; religion; and punishment and reward contributing to a lesser degree. Training contributed least but was deemed most in furthering professionalism. Excessive workload (quota) and uncongenial educational environment were considered detrimental to the cause.

CONCLUSION

Formal planning and implementation of professionalism curriculum; selection of students with appropriate attributes; control of hidden curriculum, including effective role models, good educational and working environments will foster professionalism among dental students maximally.