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Abstract

Introduction: Respect for others is an attribute that honors the dignity of individuals. As such, it is a key component in the creation of a positive teacher–student environment that leads to academic success. Because of the subjective nature of the term respect, it is important to determine how specific students perceive it. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore dental hygiene student perceptions of respect and inquire into their related academic success and care of their own patients. The insights gained from this study could be used to help guide teacher awareness of the needs of students related to respect.

Methods: Using a convenience sample, participants in this qualitative study were dental hygiene students currently enrolled in the dental hygiene program at a Midwestern university. IRB approval and verbal consent were obtained prior to administration of the questionnaire. A total of 23 students participated in the study.

Results: Key implications from this study included respect defined as: being caring and kind, understanding someone else’s perspective, treating others as you want to be treated, listening, and paying attention. Students placed high value on being respected by their teachers and felt it resulted in higher academic achievement. Respect modeled by teachers can teach students how to treat their patients with respect.

Discussion: Respect is crucial for a positive learning environment. Since students’ understanding of respect varies, teachers should actively seek their perspectives on what respect means to them and how it can be demonstrated in the classroom.

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