Cultural Competency in Dental Practice: Navigating the Experiences and Perspectives of Dentists in South Punjab, Pakistan
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Date
2024-12-10
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Abstract
Introduction
Cultural competence in healthcare embraces the principles of equal access and nondiscriminatory services
in healthcare delivery. Dentists as significant healthcare professionals should definitely have the skills
needed to diagnose and treat patients’ conditions, but it is crucial to also address nontechnical skills such as
cross-cultural communication, the ability to empathize, and inclusive-mindedness. Globally, cultural
competency training has been included in healthcare educational programs; however, national practices
reportedly have revolved around patients’ clinical competencies and thus entailed overlooking the cultural
dimensions of dental education that include diverse sociocultural factors that influence how dental practices
are taught, learned, and delivered. These dimensions encompass elements such as language, communication
styles, attitudes toward healthcare, and culturally specific oral health beliefs and behaviors. Therefore, the
aim of this study is to explore the experiences and perspectives of dentists practicing in South Punjab
regarding cultural competency.
Methodology
The study employed a qualitative phenomenological approach. Data was collected through purposive
sampling techniques utilizing semistructured interview guides. The participants recruited were licensed
dentists practicing in dental institutions in South Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 18 dentists were recruited in
the study. The interviews were focused on the different aspects of cultural competency by exploring the
perspectives of dentists. Thematic analysis was carried out utilizing the Bran and Clarkes framework to
categorize data into key themes and subthemes utilizing inductive coding.
Results
The study revealed that dentists lack awareness and understanding of cultural competency; they also faced
significant problems due to limited cultural proficiency while dealing with diverse patients. Major challenges
included inadequate training, communication barriers, and cultural bias in dentists while dealing with such
diverse populations. Patients recognized the benefits of cultural competency and highlighted facilitators like
institution support, peer support, mentorship support, and patient trust. Participants suggested
incorporating cultural competency in dentistry curricula, continuous professional development, and
community outreach programs for the development of cultural competency among dentists.
Conclusions
The study highlighted perspectives and experiences of dentists regarding cultural competency. The findings
demonstrated key problems due to limited or lack of cultural proficiency that included communication and
language barriers and unconscious cultural bias among dentists. The study also highlighted facilitators of
cultural competency like institutional facilitation, mentoring opportunities from peers and seniors, and
patient trust. Facilitating cultural competency among dentists may result in improved patient satisfaction,
enhanced patient care, and an increase in compliance, hence overall enhancing the quality of care.