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Article
An approach to developing oral health knowledge for allied health students
Journal of Dental Education (2021)
  • Stephanie L de Sam Lazaro, Saint Catherine Univeristy
  • Taylor R Karger, St. Catherine University
  • Brittanee Despres, Saint Catherine University
  • Rachel C McPherson
  • Ellen Minor, Saint Catherine University
Abstract
Background: Oral health competency-based education approaches have been proposed as a mechanism to address oral health outcomes and equity issues. Recommendations for oral health education for allied health professional students include practices to increase team members' knowledge and skills in the integration of oral health and primary care practice (IOHPCP) initiative's oral health clinical competencies for primary care providers.
Aims: This study aimed to examine changes in self-reported knowledge of occupational therapy students in the topics of oral health, the dental profession, and the dental healthcare systems following participation in a series of webinars and a community-engaged learning project.
Materials and Methods: This study utilized an oral health education program through webinars and a community-engaged learning project for occupational therapy students. Program evaluation measures were utilized to assess the oral health education activities through self-reported knowledge in oral health topics aligned with IOHPCP domains along with topics identified by the community partner organization.
Results: Findings demonstrate that asynchronous webinars can increase self-reported knowledge in occupational therapy students.
Discussion: Recommendations for inclusion of oral health education for allied health students related to knowledge of oral health, the dental profession, and dental healthcare systems are shared.
Conclusions: Asynchronous webinars have the potential to increase self-reported oral health knowledge for allied health professionals.
Keywords
  • allied health education,
  • oral health education
Publication Date
November, 2021
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1022/jdd.12842
Citation Information
Stephanie L de Sam Lazaro, Taylor R Karger, Brittanee Despres, Rachel C McPherson, et al.. "An approach to developing oral health knowledge for allied health students" Journal of Dental Education (2021)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/stephanie-desamlazaro/21/