How Effective Is a Dental Skills Workshop in Improving the Knowledge and Confidence of Medical Students and Residents in Management of Dental Emergencies?

Abstract

Millions of people experience dental trauma while participating in wilderness activities. Many physicians and medical students report rarely having had any education in this field. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a 3-hour hands-on workshop for medical students and residents on their pre- and postcourse knowledge and confidence in managing dental emergencies. A 1-hour lecture followed by four 20-minute “hands-on” skill stations on dental mannequins was administered to a group of medical students and residents. Pre- and postworkshop questionnaire surveys were conducted. There was a significant increase in the percent of lecture attendees who responded correctly to 3 of the 4 knowledge questions (P < .005). Confidence in various statements about treating dental emergencies was significantly different after the lecture for 8 of the 9 statements. At baseline, the majority disagreed with statements implying confidence in handling various aspects of dental emergencies. At follow-up, there was an apparent trend toward confidence. Our findings suggest that dental education is minimal during undergraduate and graduate medical training. Our interactive workshop appeared to be effective in increasing the knowledge and self-reported confidence of medical practitioners in handling dental emergencies. Based on findings from this workshop, it seems there is a need for additional dental education during medical school, especially with regard to managing dental emergencies, dental anesthesia, and dental nomenclature.