Developing understanding and enactment of professionalism: undergraduate dental students' perceptions of influential experiences in this process

Key Points Identifies student perceptions of influential experiences in the process of developing their understanding and enactment of professionalism. Finds planned teaching of facets of professionalism a necessary foundation, but situated learning from positive and negative experiences in clinical learning environments are more powerful influences. Finds students can reflect and reframe negative experiences into positive development, suggesting potential for dental educators and curricula to enhance the process of developing professionalism by supporting reflection and reframing. Underlines the importance of role modelling. Suggests attention to the role of emotion in learning and the development of professionalism.