Comparison of Cultural Competence Between Dental House Officers and General Dentists: A Cross-Sectional Study

All patients deserve quality care, regardless of their cultural, ethnic, or linguistic backgrounds. In Pakistan's diverse society, cultural competence in dentistry is crucial for patient-centered care. This study assesses and compares cultural competence levels between dental house officers (DHOs) and general dentists (GDs).

A cross-sectional, self-reported study was conducted at Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine, Karachi, over 6 months. A validated questionnaire (α = 0.856) on a 4 to 5-point scale assessed five attributes via Google forms. Data were analyzed using SPSS 23. Independent Sample t-test was used to compare DHOs and GDs, while ANOVA evaluated differences in GDs' qualification and practice settings.

A total of 316 participants (response rate: 79%) were included. The mean age was 24.77 ± 2.02 years for DHOs and 31.32 ± 7.49 years for GDs. Females were predominant, and 27% of GDs worked in private practice. Both groups were somewhat culturally competent, with DHOs showing significantly higher self-perception (2.09 ± 0.61 vs. 1.92 ± 0.26, p = 0.001). However, GDs scored slightly higher in patient-centered communication, practice orientation, and cultural competence behaviors. GDs in private practice were more culturally competent than those working only in OPDs (-0.274*, F: 3.542, p = 0.001).

Overall, participants perceived themselves as somewhat culturally competent. DHOs demonstrated greater self-awareness and sensitivity than GDs. GDs in training and private practice exhibited higher cultural competence than those in OPDs alone.