The aim of this study was to assess different ways students of Dentistry express themselves as they are asked questions concerning individuals with disabilities. A questionnaire consisting of examples of inclusive situations was applied prior to and after a teaching module focusing handicapped patients. Answers to the questionnaire were categorized as positive tendency (e.g. approval), negative tendency (e.g. pitiful), or neutral. Also, distinctions were made between the answers focusing on the individual and those focusing on inclusive actions. Results revealed the highest values for positive responsiveness, increasing after the teaching module application. Answers focusing on the individual showed higher values when compared to those regarding inclusive actions. This study emphasizes the contribution of Human Sciences approaches to dental students learning and their preparation to deal with handicapped patients.
Dentistry and Psychology; social inclusion; handicapped persons
