SummaryDental and medical care are closely interlinked since certain clinical oral manifestations can provide a useful insight into underlying systemic diseases. With recent research highlighting unique 'twoway' relationships between systemic and oral disease processes, it is paramount medical students are aware of these. Medical school curricula scarcely cover oral disease and oral examination; the purpose of this article is to provide a foundation for further learning. A clear focus has been made on four key aspects: the core dental team, oral lesions, dental disease and oral manifestations of systemic drugs.
Relevance to medical studentsExamination of the oral cavity forms an element of the wider physical exam. Hence, an appreciation for dentistry will place medical students in a more confident position knowing that they have an understanding of oral abnormalities. This will not only encourage improved diagnoses but discourage false referrals, making a positive impact on patient care and management.
Take home messagesMedicine and dentistry have a firm place in the primary health sector as patients share their health concerns with both their general medical practitioner and their general dental practitioner. Patient care can be greatly enhanced if a closer relationship between the two professions is fostered. This educational piece places a step in that direction by presenting to the reader an insight into the multifaceted speciality of dentistry.The British Student Doctor, 2017;1 (2)
Introduction In March 2020, a cohort of dental foundation trainees (DFTs) were affected by the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Then, in September 2020, a second cohort of DFTs began their training, with COVID-19 still affecting provision of primary dental care.Aims To study the effects of COVID-19 on these two cohorts by surveying Wales' dental core trainees (DCTs) who had been undertaking dental foundation training (DFTg) in 2019/20 and 2020/21.Materials and methods Following ethical approval, we conducted two online surveys for the 2019/20 and 2020/21 DFTs' cohorts. We compared and contrasted their reported completion of various DFTg curriculum components and any additional skills derived from redeployment.Results A response rate of 52% was achieved for both surveys. All participants successfully completed DFTg; although, some small differences were noted between the cohorts and their ability to fulfil all their portfolio requirements.Discussion Despite the effects of COVID-19, all DFTs were able to demonstrate completion of curriculum elements. The redeployment of three DFTs enhanced their learning. This was comparable to reports from other DFTs who were redeployed in the pandemic.Conclusions All DCTs surveyed from both cohorts successfully completed their DFTg portfolios. In some cases, additional skills were developed, which in the absence of the pandemic, may not have been the case.
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