Tackling antimicrobial resistance in practice: dental students’ evaluation of university teaching supplemented by an online course

Abstract

Background Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents a global threat to public health. Engaging all healthcare professionals including undergraduates in efforts to tackle AMR is vital. Sharing and spreading good practice in teaching on AMR and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is a key ambition in Scotland. In 2020, the University of Glasgow Dental School supplemented teaching with mandatory completion by final year undergraduates of an online education programme on the essential role of dental teams in reducing AMR. Objectives To evaluate final year dental students’ knowledge and experience of utilizing an online international educational, interactive resource to supplement university teaching: Tackling Antibiotic Resistance: What Should Dental Teams Do? Methods Cross-sectional qualitative evaluation using a self-administered questionnaire with open questions about course content, learning and personal action planning. Data were thematically analysed using NVivo12 Pro software. Results A total of 88 students completed a questionnaire, which indicated online training had increased their understanding of AMR and AMS from a global perspective and confirmed these topics were an integral part of their undergraduate education programme. Their action plans demonstrated enthusiasm for creating an AMS culture in clinical practice and an understanding of the need for ongoing education of themselves, their colleagues and patients. Conclusions Education delivery using a variety of media to support teaching and learning in Glasgow Dental School was effective in ensuring that students understand their role in tackling AMR. Students were positive about the addition of an online education programme to supplement university teaching. This approach may be beneficial for other undergraduate dentistry programmes.

Australian dental students’ knowledge on antibiotics prophylaxis for dental procedures

“…Having been described to have applications within numerous specialities of dentistry, one would reasonably assume that antibiotics are a well-traversed topic. It could potentially be suggested that the reason for this is that there is no cohesive training on antimicrobial stewardship in a broad sense, such as a comprehensive AMS module which has shown to be receptive by students internationally [33]. This could be something that could be considered in Australian dental schools.…”

Awareness regarding antimicrobial resistance and confidence to prescribe antibiotics in dentistry: a cross-continental student survey

“…However, facilitating healthy habits as early as possible while students are shaping their behavior is a relevant strategy to promote prudent and evidence-based antimicrobial prescription practices [ 42 , 43 ]. Further, the implementation of online courses as a supplement to dental undergraduate education can increase student understanding of antibiotic resistance and antimicrobial stewardship [ 44 ]. It can also be hypothesized that such tools would be helpful as a refresher course for trained dentists.…”

Managing Oral Health in the Context of Antimicrobial Resistance

“…Educational interventions can include lectures, didactic meetings, workshops, and practice campaigns. A recent study showed that final-year undergraduates from the Glasgow Dental School were enthusiastic about attending a supplemental, yet mandatory, online course on the essential role of dental teams in antimicrobial stewardship and in reducing AMR; the students’ feedback was positive, and they recognized they could play an important role in stewardship [ 75 ]. Evidence from another study also attested to the success of educational programs for dental students about appropriate antibiotic prescribing [ 76 ].…”