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SDM is perhaps the first college in the country to introduce “critical thinking” as part of curriculum for students studying the Bachelor of Dental Sciences (BDS).
Although there have been courses in positive thinking, analytical thinking, structured thinking etc. these are generally modules in graduate courses elsewhere or subjects in capacity building courses in induction, orientation or refresher courses in industry, to enable employees take rational decisions in complex situations and improves one’s efficiency.
“Keeping this in mind, we have started the new ‘Critical Thinking’ subject. Along with this, we will also teach ‘Communication Skills’ for the undergraduate students,” says College Director Bhaskar Rao.
Rao said research in different parts of the world revealed that medical practitioners in general, and dentists in particular, fail if they do not develop critical thinking habit. Poor communication was another factor in failure.
“These two traits certainly play a crucial role in successful practice and better patient management for doctors,” Dr Rao says, and adds that the college is spending a considerable amount for this new initiative. “Cost is not a constraint for us. We want our students to be perfect in their communications skills and clarity of thinking by the time they complete their course.”
The college has hand picked eminent resource persons from different institutions across the country to teach the subject. Besides, a core group of faculty members of the college would share their wisdom and experience with the students in mastering the communication skills and developing thinking habit.
Dr Rao said that some international institutions have developed a curriculum for the subject. But, at SDM, it would be modified taking local and professional needs into consideration.
“Many a time, half of the ailments could be cured just by talking with the patients in a nice and friendly manner. Patients feel better if they have a close interaction with doctors,” explains Principal Srinath L Thakur.
“Unfortunately, many young doctors do not know this. The new subject, taught as a value addition started in our college will make sure our students understand importance of talking with patients and thinking for improving their efficiency,” he says.
Dr Rao asserts that the subject, which forms the core part of the successful practice for any doctor, must be taught throughout the course (all the four years), so that the students will emerge as dentists, who will deal with patients with understanding and care.