A cross-sectional survey of attitudes and barriers toward pharmacist services at predoctoral academic dental institutions

Abstract

BackgroundThe pharmacy profession continues to evolve through novel practice settings and collaborations. Recent reports have highlighted services provided by pharmacists in academic dental settings. ObjectivesThis study aimed to measure attitudes and barriers to pharmacist services at academic dental institutions via a survey of dental school administrators. MethodsA survey was circulated in summer 2019 to all accredited dental schools in the United States through the American Dental Education Association clinic dean listserv. The survey consisted of Likert scale questions pertaining to barriers and attitudes regarding pharmacist services in dental education programs and clinics. The survey was open from July 2019 to December 2019. Responses were analyzed with descriptive statistics and Spearman rank correlation. ResultsComplete attitude and barrier responses were received from 30 of 66 accredited institutions. Responding schools showed a generally positive attitude toward pharmacist services. Respondents identified funding as the barrier with greatest impact on program development and expansion. ConclusionAttitudes among dental education program administrators regarding pharmacists are generally positive. Barriers remain to fully incorporating pharmacists into dental institutions in the United States. Increased funding and reimbursement for pharmacy services would support universal pharmacist integration to this practice setting.