’Educating the educated’: a report of an undergraduate medical student with multiple carious lesions and poor dietary habits

Abstract

It is evident in the undergraduate dental curriculum that competent dental students are expected to have a broad knowledge of the intricacies of the human body and its relationship with the oral cavity, but the same cannot be guaranteed for medical students. This case report of a medical undergraduate student who presented with multiple carious lesions and a poor knowledge of the impact of her habits on her oral heath illustrates the importance of using a well-formulated and holistic treatment plan with a focus on oral health promotion and education. The review appointment proved promising with an improved plaque score and dietary analysis. This article provides a brief introduction to the topics and discusses potential future developments that aim to reduce the subjectivity in the analysis process and simplify presentation of evidence to non-dental parties. CPD/Clinical Relevance: This case re-iterates the need to encompass education and prevention to stabilize and prevent dental caries and teach other future healthcare professionals so that they can utilize and consider this knowledge in the management of their own patients. Moreover, it demonstrates that there may be scope for raising dental awareness and education within the medical profession.