Experiences with a training course in patient counseling.

A program in patient counseling for dental students is described. The main objective of the present course is to make the students more aware of their own behavior and to train them in patient-centered behavior. In an effort to evaluate the effects of the training, a pilot evaluation study was completed. Students who had completed training two weeks before the study showed more nondirectiveness, empathy, warmth, and acceptance than students without such training. Seven months after the training a learning effect was evident as well.