Dentists' Comfort in Treating Underserved Populations After Participating in Community‐Based Clinical Experiences as a Student

Abstract

The purpose of this project was to determine new dentists' comfort levels in treating traditionally underserved populations after participating in two consecutive five-week community-based clinical experiences while in dental school. A written survey was mailed to all known University of Iowa alumni (1992-2002; N=745). Respondents were asked to rank their comfort levels in treating twelve underserved populations on a five-point Likert type scale (5=no problem; 1=will not). Bivariate and logistic regression model analyses were performed to examine associations (p<0.05) among comfort and six predictor variables. Alumni (n=372) were most comfortable treating other ethnic, low-income, non-English-speaking, and HIV+/AIDS populations and least comfortable treating incarcerated and homebound populations. The following variables were significantly associated with comfort: 1) perception that the community experiences had great/much value; 2) practice located in larger communities; 3) non-solo practitioners; and 4) dentist's gender. As more dental schools utilize community-based clinical experiences to increase students' exposure to underserved populations, it is important that these experiences provide exposure to a variety of populations. Additionally, dental schools should continuously monitor the short-and long-term value of these programs for their students and recent graduates.

Attitudes of dental students towards patients with special healthcare needs: Can they be improved?

“…Thus, while the programme seemed to be able to help improve students' reactions to people with special healthcare needs, it proved unable to lower the barrier when it comes to treating them. This contrasts with results of previous studies with dental students as well as with practicing dentists which revealed a positive association between the exposure to education in the treatment of persons with special healthcare needs and the willingness to treat this clientele (see Introduction). A possible explanation for this discrepancy as well as for the increasing endorsement of specialised services may be sought in students' growing awareness that they were insufficiently prepared for treating this clientele.…”

“…Apart from a lack of clinical proficiency, unfamiliarity with this clientele may foster misconceptions and negative stereotypes, resulting in reluctance to treat patients with special needs for dental care. In fact, several studies have shown that dentists who had undergone training in managing patients with special healthcare needs and who perceived their educational experiences as valuable felt more comfortable with treating this group of patients and treated more of these patients compared to those not exposed to this kind of training . Similarly, students who perceived themselves prepared for the treatment of patients with special needs showed greater future intention to treat this clientele …”

Attitudes of dentists toward persons with intellectual disabilities in Jordanian hospitals

“…However, this result differs from those found by McQuistan et al. Future studies still need to be carried out to include an investigation of this topic.…”

Professional education to meet the oral health needs of older adults and persons with disabilities

“…Similar trends were found in dental hygiene education. A study based in Iowa reported in 2008 indicated that dentists' comfort in treating underserved populations improved after participating in community‐based clinical experiences as a dental student . As dental schools expand their community‐based clinical learning experiences, dentists should graduate with enhanced competency in the care of underserved populations.…”