Linking a service learning elective to a pre-existing course worked well, achieved its objectives, and will be continued

No abstract

The purpose of the Kentucky Elder Oral Health Survey (KEOHS) was to assess the oral health status of Kentuckians 65 and older. The KEOHS consisted of a self-administered questionnaire and a clinical examination. Recruitment occurred from May 2002 through March 2005 of persons aged 65 and older (n=1386) whose functional ability was classified by residential setting. Independent elders living in their own homes were designated as “well-elders,” those who lived in skilled nursing facilities and who were functionally dependent were designated as “nursing home elders,” and those older adults who were considered frail were designated as “homebound elders.” Significant associations were found between the functional ability of the elders and demographic characteristics. While elders who were homebound reported the highest rate of barriers to care, dental insurance, affordability, and transportation were consistently reported as barriers for all groups of elders. This study has established the baseline oral health status of older adults in Kentucky and the data shows-differences that exist for various community living situations.

Research shows expectant mothers with oral infections may have an increased risk for delivering preterm, low birth weight babies. Difficulty accessing dental services, limited resources, and beliefs about dental care put expectant mothers from rural communities at a greater risk for oral health problems, which can have adverse health consequences for themselves and their unborn children. There is a need to better educate these women on proper oral health practices to decrease oral infections and increase the likelihood of delivering healthy babies. Using the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM) [1], this study examines the impact of a prenatal program, Centering Pregnancy Smiles (CPS), on changing rural expectant mothers' attitudes and beliefs about maintaining good oral health during pregnancy. Results showed the CPS program had a primarily positive impact on changing expectant mothers' attitudes and beliefs regarding oral health. Implications for educational prenatal programs on oral health in rural areas are discussed.

Community-based field experiences (CBFE) provide students with exemplary experiential learning opportunities. The purposes of this paper are to describe the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry (UKCD) CBFE and report the results of a two-year, self-report survey that assessed the primary course goal, students' perceptions of change in knowledge and skills related to nineteen areas of patient care (n = 90, 100% return rate), and their overall rating of the program. Knowledge and skill data were analyzed using the non-parametric binomial test for comparing proportions. A significant (.05 level) majority of students reported increases in knowledge in all areas to which they were exposed. Descriptive frequencies summarizing the results of the total CBFE experience indicate that the majority of students felt it was a positive experience. The CBFE continues to be a meaningful element in the UKCD curriculum as it provides students with a relevant, authentic educational experience.