Integration of English for professional purposes in dental training through an innovative competency-based approach
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2026-2481Keywords:
English for Professional Purposes (EPP), dental education, clinical communication, competency-based approach, technical vocabulary, internationalization, higher education, communicative competenciesAbstract
Introduction: Current dental education faces the challenge of preparing professionals capable of functioning in multilingual clinical settings and accessing the growing body of scientific literature published in English. However, in many Spanish-speaking countries, dental students have limitations in their command of technical English, which restricts their access to up-to-date information, hinders their participation in international events, and affects communication with foreign patients. Objective: The objective of this study was to design a competency-based training module to integrate English for Professional Purposes (EPP) into the dental curriculum, with an emphasis on clinical communication. Methodology: A mixed-methods approach with a quasi-experimental design was applied. The sample consisted of 60 third- and fourth-semester students. Diagnostic and final tests, perception surveys, and oral performance rubrics were used. Results: The results showed significant improvements in the use of technical vocabulary, the comprehension of scientific texts, and simulated interactions with patients in English. Students expressed a positive evaluation of the module’s relevance. Conclusion: It is concluded that incorporating EPP into dental education strengthens students’ communicative competencies and supports the internationalization of their professional profile.
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