Key points:

1-Incorporation of soft skills into dental curriculum: there is a critical need to integrate soft skills into dental education, specifically in countries with low incomes where dental students struggle after graduation to continue dental training. Soft skills integration will assist them carefully to figure out different ways to succeed.

2-Curriculum gaps: dentistry education prioritizes clinical skills over interpersonal competencies, creating a significant gap that needs to be addressed.

3-Importance of Non-Cognitive Skills: Referencing Quieng et al. (2015), the commentary emphasizes that non-cognitive skills, such as emotional intelligence and communication, are vital for success in modern healthcare.

4-Proactive Curriculum Development: The paper advocates for a proactive approach in developing curricula that includes training in soft skills to better prepare dental students to overcome the obstacles in the actual world.

5-Creative teaching methods: educational institutions must adopt innovative teaching methods and evaluate the efficacy of soft skills training.

6-Holistic Education: The article advocates for a comprehensive approach to education that includes both cognitive and affective domains, preparing students for personal and professional success in a worldwide environment.

Introduction:

In general, medical education aims to provide students with content knowledge and technical skills. Nowadays, soft skills are essential for personal development, social integration, and workplace success. The study emphasizes the varied issues that today’s learners are facing, as well as the need for holistic education that prepares students for real-life scenarios. Because of the technical nature of dental education, cognitive and psychomotor skills are valued; however, the affective domain, which includes emotional intelligence and non-cognitive skills, should not be neglected. According to research, emotional intelligence and soft skills such as communication and teamwork are often more important than technical skills in determining a person's success. The essay cites several experts who emphasize the importance of motivation and the interaction between affective and cognitive learning. It calls for the incorporation of critical soft skills into university educational courses to better prepare students for the challenges of globalization. The paper cites major frameworks, defining critical skills required for college and career willingness, including communication, collaboration, critical thinking, self-direction, and work ethics.

Quieng MC, Lim PP, Lucas MR. 21st century-based soft skills: spotlight on non-cognitive skills in a cognitive-laden dentistry program. Eur J Contemp Educ. 2015;11(1):72-81. doi:10.13187/ejced.2015.11.72.

This section summarizes the findings of Quieng et al. (2015), which explores the integration of 21st-century soft skills into the dentistry curriculum

“The study explores the integration of soft skills into the dentistry curriculum, emphasizing the importance of non-cognitive skills alongside cognitive and technical competencies. It assesses 16 professional courses at a leading dental school in the Philippines, revealing a moderate inclusion of communication and collaboration skills, while critical thinking and self-direction are more pronounced. The research highlights that despite students' comfort in basic interactions, they face challenges in understanding nonverbal cues and utilizing cultural differences effectively. The findings underscore the necessity for dental education to incorporate comprehensive soft skills training to adequately prepare graduates for the complexities of modern dental practice and enhance their professional success.”

In conclusion: 

Incorporating soft skills into dentistry education is critical for skilled practitioners, especially in underdeveloped countries where graduates face major obstacles. Educational institutions can better prepare students for the challenges of modern healthcare by filling curricular gaps and emphasizing noncognitive abilities. Active curriculum development, creative teaching methods, and a comprehensive educational strategy that includes both cognitive and affective domains will enable dental graduates to thrive in patient communication, teamwork, emotional intelligence, and work ethics. As Quieng et al. (2015) point out, developing these important soft skills will not only boost individual achievement but will also contribute to better patient care and outcomes in the dentistry profession. Finally, incorporating soft skills training is a critical step toward ensuring that dental graduates are well-equipped to meet the demands of the 21st century.