Training of dental students in the care of anxious adolescents through cognitive behavioral therapy: an exploratory study

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate students’ perceptions regarding training in and the use of a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) resource in clinical practice.

Methods

This exploratory study, conducted in 2023 and 2024, is part of a larger project “Empathy,” developed in an Adolescent Clinic, a curricular component of the school of dentistry at a public university in northeastern Brazil. The students’ training included theoretical classes and supervised clinical application of a digital resource based on CBT. The resource was prepared by the authors in a previous study and consisted of cards containing information about dental procedures. The CBT resource was sent by the students to the patients via messaging apps. After the students' training and clinical application of the resource, the undergraduate students completed a questionnaire made available through Google Forms in order to evaluate the training and materials used in the CBT approach.

Results

It was found that most students considered the guidelines on the CBT resource “completely enlightening” (73.1%), demonstrating an understanding of the material. In the clinical setting, 73.1% rated the in-person guidance as “completely satisfactory” and 80.8% approved of the support via messaging app. Furthermore, 92.3% felt able to apply CBT, although some suggested the need for more practical training and theoretical support material.

Conclusion

In general, the students' perceptions of the training were satisfactory, as reflected in their understanding of the information provided, satisfaction with the CBT resource, and confidence in using this technique in approaching anxious adolescent patients.