Measuring the Empathy Level of Dental Students Using the Jefferson Scale of Empathy

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of clinical trainings in improving empathy in dental students by analyzing changes in empathy level before and after clinical training. Third grade dental students at Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) participated for 2 years. They had clinical training for 3 weeks in pediatric dentistry at JBNU Dental Hospital. Then, 20 items of the modified form of Jefferson Scale of Empathy-Health Profession Students Version were done twice, before and after clinical training. The students who had lectures and role-playing were in the experimental group, while those who had no additional trainings were in the control group. Out of 69 students, 35 were in the experimental group and 34 were in the control group. Empathy level has increased after clinical training in both groups, but only the experimental group showed a significant increase (p = 0.0052). It also showed a significant increase in specific items (No. 6, 9, 10, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20) compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Clinical trainings such as lectures and role playing might have increased empathy levels related to standing in patient’s position. Therefore, it is necessary to consider, try, and evaluate various types of clinical training rather than common education to improve dental students’ empathy.