Dr. Cathrine Malau

Cathrine Malau is a researcher in oral health with a focus on behavioral and psychosocial dimensions of dentistry. Her work explores how psychological factors such as empathy and anxiety influence clinical practice and patient care, particularly within dental education. Through cross-national research involving institutions in Africa and Scandinavia, she contributes to a broader understanding of how cultural and educational contexts shape future oral health professionals.

Her studies examine the relationship between dental anxiety and empathy among undergraduate oral health students, highlighting the importance of emotional competence in delivering patient-centered care. She also investigates caregivers’ oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward children with special health care needs, emphasizing the critical role of caregiver education in improving preventive outcomes.

Based on the currently available publications, her scholarship centers on public oral health, special care dentistry, and the human factors that affect treatment experiences. Her strengths lie in cross-sectional research design and the application of validated assessment tools to inform educational strategies and community-based oral health interventions.