Gary E Cook

Bio: Gary E Cook is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Population. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 57 citations.

Patient perceptions of professionalism in dentistry.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine how patients perceived the professionalism of University of Minnesota School of Dentistry students, faculty, and staff. Professionalism is defined by the authors as an image that will promote a successful relationship with the patient. Patients within comprehensive care clinics were asked to assess physical attributes and behaviors of the dental care providers using a questionnaire. The patients read statements dealing with characteristics of the dental care providers and responded as to whether they agreed, were neutral, or disagreed with the statement. The surveyed population consisted of 103 males and 97 females, 64 percent of whom lacked insurance coverage. Fifty-one percent of the patients were between the ages of forty-four and sixty-nine, but the overall age distribution was dispersed over a range of eighteen to one hundred. Our research found that all dental care providers displayed a professional appearance as well as behavior. The attire of the dental care provider affected the comfort and anxiety levels of patients, as did first impressions of both students and faculty. Most patients reported that students and faculty displayed effective time management and used appropriate language during the appointment. Finally, hairstyle, makeup, and jewelry appeared to have little effect on patients' opinions of the various dental care providers.

Annual review of nursing education

Abstract: This is "must" reading for anyone teaching nursing, at any level, in any program or institution. This book covers trends and innovative strategies to help you develop a curriculum and be more effective in using it. Educators describe problems - such as students who cannot write or high NCLEX failure rates - and how they tackled and solved them. Each chapter contains common-sense approaches to every educator's questions. It is a resource no nursing education program can afford to be without.

Strategies for combating dental anxiety.

Abstract: Dental anxiety and subsequent avoidance of dental care and deterioration of oral health pose a significant problem for the dental profession. In an attempt to elucidate preferences of anxious dental patients, we gathered survey data from 121 persons at a small, private liberal arts college in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Half of the respondents experienced dental anxiety, and most of these (66 percent) attributed anxiety to fear of anticipated pain. The majority of anxious patients preferred a dentist to be friendly (93 percent), talkative (82 percent), and to have an office with adorned walls (89 percent) and a slightly cool temperature (63 percent). Patients who identified themselves as anxious also indicated that music in the background (89 percent) and magazines and books in the dental office (75 percent) were helpful. Anxious patients were more likely than non-anxious patients to prefer a male dentist (77 percent versus 52 percent). This finding was especially marked among anxious male respondents, 93 percent of whom preferred a male dentist compared to 73 percent of anxious female respondents. These survey data may assist dental professionals in understanding and combating patients' dental anxiety, in order to increase the frequency of dental visits and to prompt a corresponding restoration or maintenance of oral health.

Dental professionalism: definitions and debate.

Abstract: Professionalism has been identified as a core component of revalidation by the General Dental Council.1 However, analysis and debate over what it means to be a professional dentist is lacking in modern dentistry in the United Kingdom. The aim of this article is to open a debate on concepts of professionalism within dentistry, drawing on established thoughts in medicine and more limited material from the dental domain. The scope of discussion will extend to include definitions of professionalism, ethical issues within professionalism, professionalism in relation to revalidation and where all of these issues relate to dentistry perceived as a business. We can learn much from the medical community who have been driven to consider 'medical professionalism in a changing world',2 and in support of 'better patient care'.3 However, we can also contribute to the wider debate on professionalism by tackling the business angle, which has been largely ignored by our medical counterparts, and adding greater weight to the ethical implications of being a professional.

What to wear? The influence of attire on the perceived professionalism of dentists and lawyers

Abstract: Using a sample of 201 participants and a between-subjects design, the perceived professionalism—suitability, capability, ease to talk to and friendliness—of male and female dentists and lawyers in various attires was examined. Results showed an absolute preference for male dentists and lawyers in professional and formal attire, respectively. Male dentists and lawyers in professional and formal attire were further rated as more suitable, capable, easier to talk to, and friendlier than female professionals, and than those dressed in smart or casual attire. Results are discussed in terms of positive dental outcomes and legal representation. Limitations are considered.

Children's and parents' attitudes towards dentists' attire.

Abstract: AIM: To assess children and parental attitudes towards dental attire. METHODS: A convenience sample of paediatric dental patients and their parents attending the Paediatric Dentistry Dept. (Leeds, UK). Data was collected using a questionnaire accompanied by a series of photographs of female and male dental students in different modes of attire. RESULTS: 100 parents with a mean age of 40.4 years (SD±8.8) and range 23–60 years, and 100 children with a mean age of 9.8 years (SD±3.5) and range 4–16 years responded. Participants preferred females in white coat and mask (15.5%) and white coat (10.5%); males in white coat and mask (11.0%), white coat and glasses (9.0%) and formal shirt (8.5%). Parents significantly preferred formal attire and children informal attire (×2=25.417, P<0.022). Comparing white coat vs paediatric coats, both parents and children ranked white coats in favour of paediatric coats (×2= 1.476, P=0.347). A highly significant difference was found between the male participants who favoured the male dental student and female participants the female dental student (×2=30.600, P<0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Parents favoured traditional dress as it gives an air of professionalism. Children preferred dental students in casual attire, both children and parents ranked formal white in favour of a paediatric coat. There was a highly significant difference in preference of the participants towards the sex of their dental health care provider, male participants favoured male student and females female students.