Exploring community-based training opportunities for dental therapy students in non-governmental and private sectors in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa

Abstract

Background. The current health system in South Africa (SA) struggles to meet the healthcare demands of its nation adequately, especially in KwaZulu- Natal (KZN) Province, South Africa. Local communities in KZN have long since recognised the need to supplement the public health system by means of community-driven initiatives of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the private sector. Projects by these sectors can also provide a platform for experiential learning for dental therapy students. Objective. To explore learning opportunities for dental therapy students through the community-driven health initiatives of NGOs and the private sector in KZN. Methods. This qualitative study used face-to-face interviews with key stakeholders organising community-based initiatives in the NGO and private sectors. The interviews were audio-recorded and analysed using thematic analysis. Ethical clearance was obtained from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, SA. Results. According to the participants, there were many innovative service delivery modes, ranging from a mobile health bus, a container turned into a clinic, to well-established clinics that provided meaningful learning opportunities for dental students. By participating in these projects, respondents believed that students could gain real-world experiences and a greater sense of social accountability. Conclusion. This study showed that there are many opportunities in the private and NGO sectors that could provide support for community-driven learning initiatives for undergraduate dental therapy students.