Role of Training Dental Surgeons and their Residents at Graduate Level to Avoid Conflicts at Workplace

Abstract

Objective: The environment in medical facilities is constrained due to the nature of the profession and on
account of the difficulties and challenges they face daily. The dental professionals (surgical and non-surgical
specialists) work in coalition with their residents and are responsible for the well-being of their patients
collectively. The present study focuses on the conflict of interest between dental surgeons and their residents.

Materials and Methods: A qualitative study was designed to evaluate the impact of graduate-level training
to avoid conflicts in the workplace. The semi-structured face-to-face interviews with dental surgeons and
specialists from Rawal Dental Hospital have been selected as the data collection instrument. Based on
thematic saturation, 20 dental surgeons were selected from whom the detailed in-depth interview is
conducted. NVivo qualitative data analysis software was utilized to transcribe the data into structural, axial
and selective coding.

Results: The results showed that interaction between the dental specialists and residents is inevitable and is
essential for the smooth running of the daily tasks and schedule. The conflicts can best be resolved by
engaging in open and direct communication, a positive collaborative approach and effective training
emulating the challenging and stressful scenarios of the medical field. In this regard, ethicality can be useful
in controlling and managing conflicts.

Conclusion: Although more research is needed to identify the underlying mechanisms, the results suggest a
need to sensitize students and educators about the role of training to avoid conflicts in the workplace.