A Needs Analysis of English Language Learning for Dental Students in Bangkok and Nearby Provinces
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This study investigated (1) the scope of content required for an English for Dental Purposes (EDP) course, (2) students’ prioritized learning needs, and (3) their opinions on assessing learning outcomes. Using a quantitative survey, 238 participants selected by purposive sampling from a total population of 587 students. Eligible participants were those who had completed a basic English course and had not previously enrolled in any dental English course. Data were analysed using mean (M), standard deviation (SD), and the Priority Needs Index (PNIModified).
Results showed that students prioritised clinically relevant EDP content, particularly oral anatomy (M = 4.69, SD = 0.57), types of teeth and functions (M = 4.63, SD = 0.72), oral examinations and ethics (M = 4.61, SD = 0.61), and cross-cultural communication (M = 4.61, SD = 0.69). Writing skills presented the largest learning gap (PNIModified = 0.67), especially in clinical documentation (0.77), followed by speaking (0.56) and vocabulary (0.54). Students preferred formative and reflective assessment methods, favoring self-evaluation (M = 4.61) and peer assessment (M = 4.57) over formal testing (M = 4.41).
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