KARACHI: Fear, anxiety and self-doubt can affect students not only during examinations but also when they face challenging interactions in the clinical setting. Recognising the importance of confidence and effective communication in dental education, the Department of Oral Medicine and Diagnosis at Ziauddin College of Dentistry, Ziauddin University, organised an interactive workshop for third-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) students.
Titled “From Fear to Focus: Managing Anxiety, Building Resilience & Communicating with Confidence,” the workshop provided students with a practical setting to explore examination anxiety, fear and self-doubt while developing strategies for communicating more confidently with anxious patients.
The session was led by Prof. Dr. Afifa Razi, Head of the Department of Oral Medicine and Diagnosis, while Dr. Aeman Ali and Dr. Amina Ali served as facilitators.
Rather than relying solely on conventional classroom discussion, the workshop used interactive activities to encourage students to reflect on their own experiences and responses to stressful situations. Mentimeter was incorporated to enable anonymous participation, giving students an opportunity to share their thoughts and reflections in a more open and engaging environment.
Students step into different clinical roles
A key component of the workshop was a series of five team-based activities and role-plays, through which students took on different roles, including clinicians, patients, counsellors and observers.
The role-playing exercises allowed students to examine stressful interactions from different perspectives while practising communication and interpersonal skills. Students acting as clinicians had to navigate patient interactions, while those taking on patient and counsellor roles experienced and responded to different aspects of anxiety and communication.
The observer role added another layer of peer learning. Students observing their colleagues were encouraged to provide constructive feedback on communication, empathy and the handling of stressful situations.
This approach helped shift the session beyond simply discussing anxiety. By participating directly in simulated situations and receiving feedback from peers, students had an opportunity to reflect on how communication, empathy and confidence can influence interactions in a clinical environment.
The workshop also highlighted the connection between managing personal anxiety and communicating effectively with patients. For dental students, developing these skills can be particularly relevant when interacting with patients who may themselves experience fear or anxiety around dental treatment.
From examination anxiety to clinical confidence
The session addressed two areas that can significantly shape a dental student's experience: coping with pressure during examinations and communicating effectively in clinical practice.
Through reflection, teamwork and role-play, students were encouraged to recognise fear and self-doubt while considering ways to build resilience and confidence. The activities provided a supportive platform for students to discuss stressful situations and learn from one another.
The workshop concluded with a reflection and discussion session, allowing participants to revisit the issues explored during the activities and share their perspectives.
E-certificates were also awarded to the participating students at the conclusion of the programme.
Overall, the initiative provided third-year BDS students with an interactive and supportive learning experience focused on anxiety management, resilience, self-confidence, empathy and communication — skills that extend beyond examination halls and can become valuable components of their future clinical practice.
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