Oral Health Students Research Articles

The effect of education on oral health students' attitudes in Australia and New Zealand.

Objective:The aim of this study was to evaluate the oral health attitudes and behavior of students in the oral health curriculum in Australia and New Zealand.Materials and Methods:The Hiroshima University - Dental Behavioral Inventory was administered to students in the first (year 1) and final years (year 3) of the oral health curriculum at Charles Sturt University in Australia and the University of Otago in New Zealand. A total of fifty-two year 1 students and forty-five year 3 students completed English version of the questionnaire in 2013. The responses were statistically analyzed by Fisher's exact tests and exact logistic regression models.Results:The responses of students in years 1 and 3 differed significantly for “I worry about the color of my teeth” at Charles Sturt University and at the University Otago, for “I think my teeth are getting worse despite my daily brushing,” “I put off going to the dentist until I have a toothache,” and “I don't feel I've brushed well unless I brush with strong strokes.” The estimated odds ratios from the exact logistic regression models showed that year 1 students were more likely to agree with above-mentioned four questions.Conclusions:Oral Health students who had been educated in a 3-year oral health curriculum in Australia and New Zealand had more positive attitudes and behaviors related oral health than did students at the beginning of their curriculum.

Integration of Traditional and E‐Learning Methods to Improve Learning Outcomes for Dental Students in Histopathology

Dental students require a basic ability to explain and apply general principles of pathology to systemic, dental, and oral pathology. Although there have been recent advances in electronic and online resources, the academic effectiveness of using self-directed e-learning tools in pathology courses for dental students is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine if blended learning combining e-learning with traditional learning methods of lectures and tutorials would improve students' scores and satisfaction over those who experienced traditional learning alone. Two consecutive cohorts of Bachelor of Dentistry and Oral Health students taking the general pathology course at Griffith University in Australia were compared. The control cohort experienced traditional methods only, while members of the study cohort were also offered self-directed learning materials including online resources and online microscopy classes. Final assessments for the course were used to compare the differences in effectiveness of the intervention, and students' satisfaction with the teaching format was evaluated using questionnaires. On the final course assessments, students in the study cohort had significantly higher scores than students in the control cohort (p<0.01). Analysis of questionnaire results showed improved student satisfaction with the course in the study cohort. These findings suggest that the use of e-learning tools such as virtual microscopy and interactive online resources for delivering pathology instruction can be an effective supplement for developing dental students' competence, confidence, and satisfaction.

Experiences of oral health students in interpersonal skills learning and development: a systematic review protocol of qualitative evidence.

The objective of this systematic review is to identify, appraise and synthesize the best available evidence on oral health students' experiences of interpersonal skills learning and development in undergraduate university programs.More specifically the research questions are.

Can undergraduate student learning in prevention influence oral health self‐care practices? – a report from a South African University

Student attitudes and behaviour towards their own oral health status could reflect their understanding of the importance of oral health promotive activities. This was a qualitative and exploratory study designed to gain a deeper understanding of the extent to which the undergraduate curriculum could act as an enabler for student oral health self-care practices. Data collection comprised of document analysis (curriculum review) and in-depth face-to-face interviews with undergraduate dental therapy and oral health students and academic staff at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Ten students volunteered to participate in the study while five academic staff were purposively selected. A separate interview schedule was developed for students and staff, respectively. The emergent themes from document analysis were compared to the analysed data from the interviews. The curriculum was underpinned by a strong foundation in prevention, and there was consensus among respondents that the curriculum met the needs for undergraduate training in preventive dentistry. The following themes emerged from data analysis: curriculum support for self-care practices; depth and scope of clinical training; role of clinical supervisors and challenges in clinical training. Respondents agreed that the curriculum could influence students' attitudes towards self-care practices such as toothbrushing and flossing but that academic responsibilities and clinical contact time placed constraints on these practices. The undergraduate curriculum does provide support for enabling student knowledge acquisition and positive attitudes, but more effort is required to enable oral health behavioural modifications among students.

Mundgesundheit und Mundgesundheitsverhalten von Schülern mit Behinderungen aus Weimar Stadt und Land

IntroductionAim of the study was the assessment of current data on oral health of students with disabilities from the city and the district of Weimar.IntroductionMaterial and Method: In total 604 students with intellectual disabilities (ID), sensory disabilities (SD) and other impairments (OI) were examined. Caries was scored by using WHO standard criteria (1997). Prevalence of fissure sealants was recorded. Periodontal health was assessed by the periodontal screening index (PSI). Oral health behaviour of students with disabilities, parental school education and occupation were asked questionnaire based. Oral health data of students with and without disabilities were compared descriptively for the age groups 5–10 yrs., 11–14 yrs. and 15–23 yrs.ResultsStudents with disabilities had a higher caries prevalence than healthy students (67.7 % vs. 52.5 %; p = 0.000). Caries experience in the primary dentition was lower in students with disabilities than in healthy students (1.0 ± 2.0 dmft vs. 1.3 ± 2.1 dmft; p = 0.000). However, in the permanent dentition healthy students had a lower caries experience (0.5 ± 1.3 DMFT) than students with disabilities (1.8 ± 3.1 DMFT; p = 0.000). The care index was not different between students with (66.2 %) and without disabilities (69.3 %). Students with ID revealed a higher caries prevalence and experience (58.2 %, 2.7 ± 3.9 DMFT) than students with SD (34.5 %, p = 0.004; 0.8 ± 1.4 DMFT; p = 0.001) and student with OI (46.5 %; p = 0.028; 1.7 ± 2.9 DMFT; p = 0.003). The prevalence of fissure sealants was 35.8 % in students with disabilities; on average one tooth was sealed.The highest prevalence of fissure sealants was present in students with OI (39.2 %) and the lowest (24.5 %) in students with ID. Nearly half of the parents with students with disabilities 48.3 % responded to the questionnaire. Students aged 6–10 yrs. with ADHS medication revealed more severe periodontal health compared to students without this medication (PSI 0.7 ± 0.6 vs. 0.3 ± 0.6; p = 0.012).Students of mothers with lower education had a higher caries experience than those of mothers with higher education level (1.6 ± 2.2 DMFT vs. 1.0 ± 2.7 DMFT; p = 0.014).ConclusionStudents with disabilities living in the city and district of Weimar were disadvantaged regarding their oral health compared to their healthy contemporaries. Improvement of group and individualized preventive care, particularly using of fissure sealants, is needed. Furthermore, networking of local partners for initiation of new preventive care strategies is crucial. Cooperation of all partners could be enhance oral health of individuals with disabilities.

Musculoskeletal Disorders and Working Posture among Dental and Oral Health Students.

The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in the dental professions has been well established, and can have detrimental effects on the industry, including lower productivity and early retirement. There is increasing evidence that these problems commence during undergraduate training; however, there are still very few studies that investigate the prevalence of MSD or postural risk in these student groups. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of MSD and conduct postural assessments of students studying oral health and dentistry. A previously validated self-reporting questionnaire measuring MSD prevalence, derived from the Standardised Nordic Questionnaire, was distributed to students. Posture assessments were also conducted using a validated Posture Assessment Instrument. MSD was highly prevalent in all student groups, with 85% reporting MSD in at least one body region. The neck and lower back were the most commonly reported. The final year dental students had the highest percentage with poor posture (68%), while the majority of students from other cohorts had acceptable posture. This study supports the increasing evidence that MSD could be developing in students, before the beginning of a professional career. The prevalence of poor posture further highlights the need to place further emphasis on ergonomic education.

The effect of education on oral health students' attitudes in Australia and New Zealand

The effect of education on oral health students' attitudes in Australia and New Zealand

Evaluation of an educational activity in the oral health of students.

To investigate the influence of educational activity in the school environment based on prescriptive and subjective oral health indicators. Cross-sectional, comparative study involving students between 9 and 12years of age, from schools that have educational activities and those that do not, designated schools A and B. The oral health indicators used were the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) and the Community Periodontal Index (CPITN). Knowledge and attitudes with regard to oral health were evaluated using a structured questionnaire. A total of 289 schoolchildren took part, 50.5% from school A and 49.5% from school B, in the town of Montes Claros, in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. In school A, the schoolchildren's OHI-S was satisfactory for 9.6%, normal for 78.8% and deficient for 11.6%, while in school B, the respective percentages were 3.5%, 17.5% and 79% (chi-squared, P<0.001). The students in school A showed better CPITN results, namely lack of bleeding for 61.6%, the presence of bleeding for 29.5% and presence of tartar for 8.9%, while in school B, the respective results were 25.2%, 45.5% and 29.4% (chi-squared, P<0.001). Students in school A achieved more correct answers in questions that evaluated knowledge of oral health. The account of daily use of dental floss in school A was 21.7% and in B, 3.6% (chi-squared, P<0.001). It is believed that educational activity in the school environment had a positive effect on oral health conditions, the consolidation of knowledge and incorporation of oral hygiene habits.

Knowledge of Undergraduate and Graduate Dentists and Dental Therapists concerning Panoramic Radiographs: Knowledge of Panoramic Radiographs

Background: Increasing numbers of panoramic radiographs (PRs) are being taken every year worldwide. This study was designed to assess the ability of dental students, bachelor of oral health (BOH) students, graduate dentists and graduate oral health therapists (OHT) in Queensland, Australia, in the interpretation of PRs in order to assess future teaching needs. Methods: This study was conducted as a web-based survey. Final year dental students, final year BOH students, graduate dentists and graduate OHTs in Queensland were invited to participate in this study. The study examined three topics; 1) radiographic anatomy, 2) positioning errors, and 3) pathology/anomalies relating to PRs. Results: No significant difference was found between any of the four groups regarding identification of radiographic anatomy on PRs. Undergraduate dental students correctly identified significantly more positioning errors than graduated dentists. Undergraduate OHTs identified significantly more positioning errors than graduated OHTs. Graduate dentists scored significantly higher than final year dental students in the identification of pathology/anomalies in PRs. Graduated dentists who had access to a PR machine or had completed a refresher course in extra-oral radiography displayed significantly higher performance in identifying positioning errors. Generally the scores were low in all areas. Conclusions: Additional teaching of the three areas assessed would be beneficial in both the undergraduate curriculum and in the form of continuing education courses. Findings from this study support the findings from similar international studies (1-7) and have the potential to be extrapolated to teaching and learning initiatives in other Australian States.

Oral health attitude, knowledge, and behaviour of dental students of Jaipur, Rajasthan: A comparative study

Introduction: Attitudes of dental students toward their own oral health affect their oral health habits and also have a possible influence on the improvement of the oral health of their patients and society. Aim: To evaluate self-reported oral health attitude, knowledge, and behavior among a group of dental students of one of the dental colleges of Rajasthan and to compare differences in oral health attitudes between years of study and gender. Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study, a self-administered structured questionnaire consisting of 19 questions on attitudes toward dental care, oral health practice and knowledge of oral health was distributed to 200 dental students of different years of course. Data collected was subjected to statistical analysis. Results: In the present study, 142 students were from preclinical years and 58 students were from clinical years. Most of the students brush their teeth once daily for 2 min following roll technique of brushing before breakfast using only toothpaste as a cleaning aid. All students from clinical years routinely examined their oral cavity while most of the students visited the dentist only when required. Majority of students considered oral health as important as general health and believed that oral health affects the general health. Students were also aware of the harmful effects of tobacco while only few of them were indulged in them. Conclusions: With increasing years of the study, some aspects of dental student's oral health attitude and behavior improved but this improvement was limited. Thus, the students should be motivated to become an example of oral health for the society, for which few steps to motivate them toward better oral health are proposed.

Correlation between dental caries and diet, oral hygiene habits, and other indicators among elementary school students in Xiulin Township, Hualien County, Taiwan

ObjectivesTo analyze the correlations between oral health status and eating habits, oral hygiene habits, and other indicators by dental health examination and questionnaires. The target population was elementary school children in Xiulin Township, Hualien, Taiwan and the aim was the identification of the possible factors causing tooth decay. Materials and methodsA stratified purposive sampling approach was used in this study. First and fourth grade students from 11 elementary schools in Xiulin Township were selected as participants in an oral health examination during the academic year 2012 and were also asked to fill in a questionnaire. Three hundred and nineteen students were initially involved in the study and the actual number of students who completed the questionnaire and the oral examination was 277; thus the survey response rate was 86.8%. Statistical analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between the student's oral health status and the responses in the questionnaire. ResultsThe study participants from Xiulin Township have a high prevalence of dental caries as well as high indices for the following indices: decayed, extracted, and filled teeth in primary dentition (deft); decayed, missing, and filled teeth in permanent dentition (DMFT); and decayed, extracted, and filled teeth in primary dentition and decayed, missing, and filled teeth in permanent dentition (deft + DMFT). These high indices may be related to the fact that most of these children like to eat sweets and snacks, have poor oral hygiene habits, and have extremely low rates of using dental health care products. Mouth-cleaning after eating sweets, brushing after eating, and brushing for at least 3 minutes each time is able to effectively predict the deft + DMFT index of school children in Xiulin Township (R2 = 0.218, p < 0.0001). ConclusionThese findings provide information for the relevant health authorities in Taiwan with respect to ensuring an adequate distribution of dental care resources in mountainous townships and remote areas. The findings also indicate that there is a need for improved access to dental health care in these areas in the form of the presence of professional dental hygienists at every school to educate and supervise the school children to develop good oral hygiene habits.

Evidence and the practice of prosthodontics: 20 years after EBD introduction.

Prosthodontics has a rich history related to the principles embedded in evidence-based health care. This paper reviews the evidence-based prosthodontics activity over the past 3 decades. It also discusses the impact of health care reform on evidence-based medicine as it relates to broader context of care outcomes. Finally, the value associated with an Evidence Stewardship emphasis in prosthodontics is presented. This emphasis suggests that combining evidence from clinical trials with evidence from clinical practice environments best equips clinicians for the management of patients in the future. Adoption of a strategic Evidence Stewardship direction is an extended commitment to change that recognizes health care reform aims and seeks to be an accountable provider group in the broader health care arena. The vision to form a representative network of prosthodontic practitioners that augments a commitment to Cochrane "clinical trial" data demonstrates a responsibility to professional transparency about who we are, adds value for patients and oral health care providers, impacts teachers and students in dental education, and provides a measure of care accountability unique in dentistry.

Australian/New Zealand Bachelor of Oral Health students: sociodemographics and career decisions

This article describes the sociodemographic profile and factors affecting career decisions of Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH) students in Australia and New Zealand. Data were collected during the 2009 and 2011 academic years via online. A total of 271 students participated. The majority were female (87.8%), single (74.5%) and of Anglo-Saxon background (59.4%), and the average age was 23.7years.The majority indicated that their fathers had at least secondary school education. The majority (52.8%) decided to study BOH after high school, and of those who commence after high school, 53.7% worked as a dental assistant/auxiliary. Career selection was self-motivated (70.2%) and a career to 'care for and help other people' (59.6%).Most respondents wished to work in a city (59.8%), in both the public and the private sectors (47.2%). This study represents a comprehensive assessment of BOH student profile in Australia and New Zealand. Findings indicate an overall different BOH student profile compared with other oral health profession students in Australia. A significant proportion had previous employment as a dental auxiliary staff and an increasing number of male students. Findings are relevant to educators, recruitment administrators and policy makers in the way the BOH profession is presented as a career option.

Randomized Trial of Two e–Learning Programs for Oral Health Students on Secondary Prevention of Eating Disorders

The purpose of this study was to test whether an interactive, web-based training program is more effective than an existing, flat-text, e-learning program at improving oral health students' knowledge, motivation, and self-efficacy to address signs of disordered eating behaviors with patients. Eighteen oral health classes of dental and dental hygiene students were randomized to either the Intervention (interactive program; n=259) or Alternative (existing program; n=58) conditions. Hierarchical linear modeling assessed for posttest differences between groups while controlling for baseline measures. Improvement among Intervention participants was superior to those who completed the Alternative program for three of the six outcomes: benefits/barriers, self-efficacy, and skills-based knowledge (effect sizes ranging from 0.43 to 0.87). This study thus suggests that interactive training programs may be better than flat-text e-learning programs for improving the skills-based knowledge and self-efficacy necessary for behavior change.

Learning experiences of oral hygiene students in the clinical environment

To determine how students used daily and term-based clinical assessment tools, students' experience of clinical teaching and clinical assessment. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study. The study population included final-year Degree in Oral Health (BOH) students (n = 34). Data were collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire using open- and closed-ended questions. The response rate was 85% (n = 29). Respondents reported that term-based assessment tools were more useful than daily assessment tools in preparing for clinical sessions, in guiding their patient management and as a reflection of their competence. Factors influencing student experiences include authentic learning opportunities such as performing a variety of procedures, patient appreciation and positive reinforcement from supervisors; consistent and appropriate feedback on their performance, feedback in the presence of a patient; supervisor qualities of being patient, respectful, non-threatening and being positive role models; and organizational aspects such as punctuality and availability of supervisors. Inconsistencies were found in student experiences in terms of the quality of feedback received. Assessment experiences include inconsistency between supervisors and not being informed of assessment scores. Regular verbal feedback or being appraised of their assessment scores was reported more frequently for term-based assessment (77%) than for daily assessment (27%). The results of this study suggest that a blueprint defining assessment as a means to drive student learning is inadequate. A more comprehensive approach encompassing all the parameters that impact the learning process may be more useful.

Second and third year oral health and dental student perceptions of future professional work

To explore and compare the ways dental and oral health students characterise their future professional work (FPW) at the end of their second and third professional years. Questionnaires were given to a cohort group of 48 dental students and 31 oral health students at the end of their second and third professional years at the University of Otago. Students' characterisations of their FPW were identified using an inductive approach, and the emphasis on each characterisation was confirmed using a 'weighted' table. Dental student response rates were 92% (in 2010) and 85% (in 2011); and oral health student response rates were 100% (in 2011) and 97% (in 2011). Students characterised their FPW in ten broad ways: in reference to treatment-related concerns, patient-related concerns, oral health promotion, oral health education, disease prevention and monitoring, communication, teamwork, maintaining an ideal clinical environment, maintaining a sense of self and improving quality of life. In both years, dental students emphasised treatment-related concerns as central to their FPW and dealing with patient-related concerns as a primary source of difficulty. Oral health students emphasised oral health promotion, oral health education, disease prevention and monitoring and restorative tasks as central to their FPW and dealing with patient-related concerns as a primary source of difficulty. Students' broad perceptions of their FPW changed little as they progressed through their programmes; however, their responses suggested the need for greater attention within their programmes to patient management and teamwork.

Expanding the Foundation for Personalized Medicine

Personalized medicine aims to individualize care based on a person’s unique genetic, environmental, and clinical profile. Dentists and physicians have long recognized variations between and among patients, and have customized care based on each individual’s health history, environment, and behavior. However, the sequencing of the human genome in 2003 and breakthroughs in regenerative medicine, imaging, and computer science redefined “personalized medicine” as clinical care that takes advantage of new molecular tools to facilitate highly precise health care based on an individual’s unique genomic and molecular characteristics. Major investments in science bring a new urgency toward realizing the promise of personalized medicine; yet, many challenges stand in the way. In this article, we present an overview of the opportunities and challenges that influence the oral health community’s full participation in personalized medicine. We highlight selected research advances that are solidifying the foundation of personalized oral health care, elaborate on their impact on dentistry, and explore obstacles toward their adoption into practice. It is our view that now is the time for oral health professionals, educators, students, researchers, and patients to engage fully in preparations for the arrival of personalized medicine as a means to provide quality, customized, and effective oral health care for all.

Evaluation of a theory-driven e-learning intervention for future oral healthcare providers on secondary prevention of disordered eating behaviors

Oral healthcare providers have a clinical opportunity for early detection of disordered eating behaviors because they are often the first health professionals to observe overt oral and physical signs. Curricula regarding early recognition of this oral/systemic medical condition are limited in oral health educational programs. Web-based learning can supplement and reinforce traditional learning and has the potential to develop skills. The study purpose was to determine the efficacy of a theory-driven Web-based training program to increase the capacity of oral health students to perform behaviors related to the secondary prevention of disordered eating behaviors. Using the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance evaluation framework, a longitudinal group-randomized controlled trial involving 27 oral health classes from 12 oral health education programs in the United States was implemented to assess the efficacy of the Web-based training on attitudes, knowledge, self-efficacy and skills related to the secondary prevention of disordered eating behaviors. Mixed-model analysis of covariance indicated substantial improvements among students in the intervention group (effect sizes: 0.51-0.83) on all six outcomes of interest. Results suggest that the Web-based training program may increase the capacity of oral healthcare providers to deliver secondary prevention of disordered eating behaviors. Implications and value of using the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance framework are discussed.

A Comparison of Oral Health Status in Active-, Occasional- and Non- Smoker Patients Versus Students

Abstract Objective The aim of this case-control study was to assess the smoker and non-smoker patients’ oral health status versus students. Methods: The study was based on a clinical examination of 210 young adults (118 women, 92 men) aged between 22-32 years. 105 of these were students in the 5th and 6th grade of the Faculty of Dentistry in Tîrgu Mureș and the control group was represented by patients. Patients and students were classified into three groups: non-smokers, occasional- and active smokers. The clinical examination evaluated the dental caries, fillings, extractions, crowns, root remnants and dental plaque. DMF-S index scores were calculated, and with its help the index of treatment need, dental care index and intensity of caries were determined. Results: The dental treatment need index, DMF-S index and intensity of caries showed increased values in patients. Root remnants (p &lt;0.0001), decay (p = 0.0473) and dental plaque (p = 0.0363) were much higher in the group of active smoker students as in the non-smoker students. Among active smoker patients the incidence of dental calculus (p = 0.0005), of root remnants (p = 0.0022) and of fillings (p = 0.0441) showed a higher value than in the non-smokers. Conclusions: This study showed that compared with non-student patients, in dental students, a better oral hygiene was coupled with healthier teeth and periodontal. Poor oral hygiene together with smoking seems to worsen the oral health status.

Intraprofessional, Team‐Based Treatment Planning for Oral Health Students in the Comprehensive Care Clinic

In 2009, Griffith University School of Dentistry and Oral Health, in Queensland, Australia, introduced into its various curricula the concept of team-based treatment planning (TBTP), aiming to facilitate intraprofessional, interdisciplinary training and peer learning among its students. Fifty student teams were organized, each of which included students from three programs (Dental Science, Oral Health Therapy, and Dental Technology) and three years of study (third-, fourth-, and fifth-year students). This study prospectively evaluated the impact of TBTP on students' perceptions and attitudes towards teamwork and their role in a team of peers. A total of 202 students who participated in fifty TBTP teams were prospectively surveyed at baseline and at six and twelve months after introduction of TBTP. "Reliable" and "responsible" were reported to be the most important qualities of both an effective team leader and member. Fifth-year students identified "hard-working" as an important quality of the ideal leader as opposed to the fourth-year students who ranked "supportive" higher. Attitudes of the fifth-year students towards TBTP appeared to have declined significantly from the previous years, while fourth-year students remained consistently more positive. In addition, fourth-year students appeared more likely to enjoy working in a team and considered themselves more effective in a team. No gender differences were observed, other than female students' appearing less confident to lead a team. It was concluded that the function of student-directed interdisciplinary, intraprofessional treatment planning teams might pose disproportionate strain on fifth-year students, impacting their attitudes to such modes of work.