Special care dentistry trainee views on the medical and oral medicine elements of the specialist training curriculum

Abstract

Introduction Specialty training curricula are subject to periodic update, and trainee views are an important element in identifying which areas need particular focus. In this study, we wished to examine specialty trainee opinions on two areas of a curriculum for special care dentistry, in particular oral medicine, and the component elements of related systemic disease and therapies (RSDT), namely pathology, pharmacology and therapeutics, and human systemic disease. Materials and methods Following ethical approval, we identified 35 specialty registrars in special care dentistry in the UK and Ireland who were invited to use an online survey tool to gather demographic data and then to ask their views on the delivery of training in oral medicine and RSDT. Respondents were also asked whether sufficient importance was placed on these topics and whether they could be accessed and delivered appropriately. Results The 23 registrars surveyed comprised a representative group from all parts of the UK and Ireland and were at different stages of specialty training. The majority thought oral medicine and RSDT were key elements of the curriculum and could be given more prominence, especially in the context of an increasingly ageing population with associated oral manifestations of chronic disease, multiple drugs and disabilities. Discussion and conclusion The registrars surveyed felt that oral medicine and RSDT and were integral to training and that emphasis and opportunities for training in these areas could be improved, especially for those trainees based outside of a dental hospital setting.

Paediatric dentistry trainee views on training relating to the medically compromised child and oral medicine elements of specialty training curricula

“…Following appropriate ethical approval for the study, the team compiled an online survey to capture anonymous basic demographics about those taking part and used Likert scale questions as well as free‐text boxes to capture trainees' views on their training for managing MCC and those presenting with OM conditions. This was based on a similar survey tool successfully used for a specialty‐trainee group in special care dentistry 11 . The survey link was shared with UK and Ireland StRs and post‐CCST trainees in paediatric dentistry via the British Society for Paediatric Dentistry trainees' group at the end of 2020 and early 2021.…”

“…This was based on a similar survey tool successfully used for a specialty-trainee group in special care dentistry. 11 The survey link was shared with UK and Ireland…”