Interprofessional education is interactive learning focused on collaboration and prepares professionals to improve patient care in a collaborative team environment. This article explores how registered dietitians' views and clinical practices regarding pediatric oral health and nutrition have been influenced by interprofessional education with pediatric dentists. Surveys were e-mailed to 150 dietitians who graduated from New York University and may have participated in a pediatric dental rotation between 2005 and 2010. Out of the 109 who were eligible, 36 (33%) responded. The respondents experienced positive collaboration (72%) as well as an increase in awareness (61%) and knowledge (58%) of the relationship between oral health and dietary habits. Dietitians and dentists have the potential to address overall health and the current obesity epidemic.

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The American Dietetic Association and the American Dental Association share a common interest in improving the health and quality of life of the population. Dental visits present an opportunity to identify nutrition-related issues for both the pediatric and adult population. Traditionally, dental and nutrition students have had little opportunity to learn and work together since little time was spent on nutrition in the dental curriculum. The purpose of this article is to describe the development of a new collaborative training experience for dietetic interns and pediatric dentistry residents. The oral health rotation for dietetic interns also has several objectives, including experience interacting with a culturally diverse population and participating in community nutrition education (Head Start). In its first 18 months, the collaborative program has been viewed as a success by the pediatric dentistry faculty and residents and the nutrition faculty and interns.