Improving Students’ Patient Care Management Using the Thinker’s Guide to Clinical Reasoning
Lack of Motivation

This second video is a demonstration of a clinical conversation with a student frustrated with the patient’s lack of motivation to improve their oral health. As the participant watches this video, they should think about the following questions. Which specific elements of thought did the educator use in the interaction? What assumptions did the student make that may have affected their interaction with the patient?

Discussion questions:

• What specific elements of thought did the educator use in the example?
• What assumptions did the student make that may have affected their interaction with the patient?

When the patient’s point of view is considered, communication between the dental professional and patient will improve and the patient is more willing to accept treatment and set goals to improve their oral health. Learning to apply the standards to the elements of thought helps the student check the quality of their interaction with patients.