Evaluating a field experience in community dentistry

The effect of a community dental service outreach programme on the confidence of undergraduate students to treat children: a pilot study

“… contact with typical and diverse patients; the development of communication and team working skills; a wider appreciation of dentistry and other healthcare services (2); increased social responsibility (3–6). …”

Perspectives of staff on student outreach placements

“…Whilst outreach has not been researched with the rigour familiar to clinicians using an evidence‐based approach, there has been some evaluation. Claimed benefits of outreach for students include contact with typical and diverse patients, improved clinical confidence (5) and speed, the development of communication and teamworking skills, a wider appreciation of dentistry and other healthcare services (6) and increased social responsibility (7–10). For host services anticipated benefits include improved recruitment opportunities (11) and preparedness of new recruits (8, 9) plus the development of existing staff (12).…”

“…Students spend five or more half‐day sessions of clinical experience each week supervised by approved dentists already working in 11 centres. Importantly, this supervision and the opportunity of working alongside primary care staff gave the dental hospital‐trained students a perspective that contrasted with that prevalent in secondary care (5, 9).…”