The College of Dentistry, Gulf Medical University, organized an engaging and interactive Guest Lecture titled “Beyond the Drill: What Every Dentist Should Know About Patients (But Never Asked)” on the 16th of April 2025. The session was delivered by Prof. Dr. Mário Rui Araújo, an expert in health psychology and iTOP Lecturer, in collaboration with industry partner Curaden Academy. The event was wellattended by finalyear dental students and dental interns.
During the session, Prof. Mário introduced students to key behavioural science strategies in pediatric care. In a unique and engaging approach, he used card tricks to illustrate psychological concepts, emphasizing how understanding patient behavior can enhance the quality of dental care, especially in children.
The event also introduced participants to the iTOP philosophy, highlighting the critical role of communication and psychological insight in building patient trust and ensuring long-term success in preventive dentistry.