DTA 1130 - Psychology & Communication

1. Define Psychology.
2. Compare two ways one benefit from the study of Psychology.
3. Describe the oldest emotionally active part of the body.
4. Choose the four less commonly recognized ways in which the mouth and teeth are important to the adult.
5. Assess two ways in which loss of teeth is threatening to the patient.

UNIT #2 UNDERSTANDING AND ACCEPTING PATIENTS BEHAVIOR

1. Describe five motivational factors which affect patient behavior.
2. Describe how the need for acceptance and respect are affected by illness or a stress situation.
3. Recognize, describe and give reasons of the ways in which we can apply Psychology of individual worth.
4. Classify 2 classes of the cultural bias sometimes found in patient behavior acceptance.

UNIT #3 PREDICTING HUMAN BEHAVIOR

1. Differentiate between an Introvert and Extrovert.
2. Describe three human behavior traits in the dental patient.
3. Define Ambivert.

UNIT #4 PSYCHOTIC BEHAVIORS

1. Recognize and describe psychotic behavior.
2. Define the following examples of psychotic behavior:  Schizophrenic, paranoia, and psychopathic.
3. Classify the level of social adjustment described by the term Psychotic.

UNIT #5 NEUROTIC BEHAVIORS

1. Describe and explain neurotic behavior.
2. Define the following common corms of neurotic behaviors:  anxiety neurosis, depressions, hysteria, hypochondria and phobias.
3. Compare the level of social adjustment described by the term Neurotic.

UNIT #6 NORMAL BEHAVIOR

1. Compare the level of social adjustment described by the term normal.
2. Differentiate and explain six of the behavioral traits of the normal dental patient.
3. Differentiate between normal and neurotic patterns found in patients.

UNIT #7 PAIN

1. Distinguish between perception and sensation.
2. List the five variables which affect the psychological perception of pain.
3. Define Pain Threshold.
4. Analyze the four unique qualities of how pain is different from other experiences by the patient.

UNIT #8 FEAR AND ANXIETY

1. Describe how mild dental fears can affect treatment.
2. Summarize four ways in which extreme dental fears may affect the patient’s well-being.
3. Compare five physical signs of fear.
4. Differentiate psychological and emotional manifestations that are recognized in patients.
5. Compare two major causes of dental fears.
6. Analyze subjective and objective fears.

UNIT #9 STRESS

1. Describe the body’s flight-or-fight response to physical or emotional stress.
2. Compare the five defense mechanisms discussed in class.
3. Paraphrase the six reasons why stress may be harmful to the patient.
4. Differentiate between anger and hostility.

UNIT #10 HELPING THE DENTAL PATIENT

1. Describe three changes in the patient’s behavior which occur when he/she trusts those treating them.
2. Compare and explain three of ways in which you can help the patient feel that he/she is with people who care and are their friends.
3. Give reasons for explaining the concept of staff attitudes based on class discussion and textbook material.
4. Relate information as to why a sense of humor in the dental office is important to the patient as discussed in class.

UNIT #11 SPECIAL PATIENTS AND SITUATIONS

1. Explain why certain patients relate differently to certain situations causing them to act defensively.
2. Give reasons why a child’s first visit to the dental office is important.
3. Discuss ways to explain to an elderly patient about why one needs a local anesthetic before an extraction.

UNIT #12 NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION

1. Define nonverbal communication.
2. Identify 4 ways body language is used to communicate nonverbal.
3. Discuss eye contact and the importance in effective communication.
4. Describe and demonstrate nonverbal behaviors that generally accompany assertive, non- assertive and aggressive styles of communication.
5. Discuss listening, including impediments to good listening and effective actions to counteract.

UNIT #13 ORAL COMMUNICATION

1. Recognize the scope of oral communication.
2. Discuss the components of effective speech, including guidelines for improving speech habits.
3. Discuss how speech and respiration can vary among angry and grieving people.
4. Discuss public speaking, including organization and delivery.
5. Recognize the role of oral communication in face to face contacts with patients.
6. Recognize the scope of communication in applying for a position. 
7. Identify the basic preparatory steps for effective oral communication with dental patients.
8. List eight behaviors to avoid during an interview for a position.
9. List five barriers to effective communication.
10. List the ten basic steps in preparing for oral communication with dental patients.
11. Discuss the interview for a position, as related to impressions, preparation questioning, and termination.
12. Discuss ways to overcome “stage fright” in asking for a raise.

UNIT #14 WRITTEN COMMUNICATION

1. Recognize and identify the basic sentence forms.
2. Select the subject and predicate for several types of sentences.
3. Identify basic parts of speech in sentence structure.
4. Punctuate correctly a paragraph exercise.
5. As an outside project, the student will prepare a resume with cover letter for a chairside dental position using an assigned format.
6. Write an acceptable formal business letter.
7. Write an acceptable informal business letter.
8. Using correct punctuation and capitalization, compile data and write a resume for use in employment.
9. Identify the essential information for exclusion in letters of application for a position.
10. Write a letter of resignation using correct English grammar.

UNIT #15 WORKING WELL TOGETHER-THE DENTAL HEALTH TEAM

1. State positive feeling to team members in a clear assertive manner.
2. Identify at least three ways the team can improve team interpersonal communication.
3. Give examples of work conflicts that grow out of differences over facts, goals, methods, and value.
4. Define six interpersonal communication skills necessary for developing positive relationships.
5. Identify your personal behavior patterns when expressing negative concerns.
6. State an objective on the importance of how to adjust when there is a change in personnel.

UNIT #16 INCREASING SELF AWARENESS

1. Define self-concept.
2. Describe the effect that self- concept has on communication.
3. List three indicators of a healthy personality.
4. Discuss why a person should strive to clarify values.
5. Determine risk and non-risk situations and what constitutes each.
6. Recognize the way a risk-taking person might respond to his/her environment.