Managing the sexualization of the dentist-patient relationship by the patient: Innovative teaching through forum-theatre

J Dent Educ. 2023 Sep 11. doi: 10.1002/jdd.13373. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Dental students may be exposed to patients' sexual behavior. We developed a theater-forum session whose aims were to identify when the patient's behavior crosses the line, to collectively develop cover strategies, and to present the reporting system. The strategies pointed out by the group were to ask a pair to be present, set limits on personal life, share discomfort to the patient and report the situation to the staff. Theater-forum is a powerful tool for this learning process.

Keywords: dental education; seductive patient; sexual harassment; theatre-forum.