What Determines Positive Student Perceptions of Extramural Clinical Rotations? An Analysis Using 2003 ADEA Senior Survey Data

Abstract

Extramural clinical rotations are an integral part of many dental school curricula. Schools in The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation/The California Endowment Pipeline, Profession, and Practice program are increasing student extramural opportunities to expose students to patients of different needs, cultures, and dental delivery modes. Using data from the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) 2003 Senior Survey, the Pipeline, Profession, and Practice National Evaluation Team studied graduating dental students' perceptions about their extramural rotations. This analysis was designed to determine the factors associated with students' perception of their extramural clinical rotations: was it a positive experience in their dental education, and did it improve students' perceptions of their ability to provide care for racially, ethnically, and culturally diverse groups? The respondents were 2,950 graduating seniors who reported at least one week of extramural rotation experience. After controlling for both individual and school level characteristics, this study found that race/ethnicity, a stronger socially conscious attitudes score, number of weeks spent in extramural rotations, and the student's rating of time spent in extramural rotations were significant determinants of the extramural rotations being reported as positive experiences. With respect to improving students' ability to provide care to racially, ethnically, and culturally diverse groups, more positive student socially conscious attitudes, a greater number of weeks spent in the rotations, a stronger service orientation for selecting dentistry as a career, and the students' rating of their time spent in extramural rotations were significant determinants. In conclusion, there is some evidence that time spent in extramural rotations may be perceived as positive dental school experiences and, for some students, may prepare them to work effectively with culturally diverse patients by the time of dental school graduation.

A global probe into dental student perceptions about philanthropy, global dentistry and international student exchanges

“…Some studies show that contact with patients from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds during extramural rotations prepares students to interact with and treat such patients more competently beyond graduation. Undergraduate humanitarian educational trips to underserved communities can have a significant personal, professional and social impact on dental students.…”

Student perspectives on their recent dental outreach placement experiences

“…The use of the phrase ‘real‐life’ to describe such experiences is widespread in describing outreach (7, 15, 34–36) and this perceived realism's strong sensory component enhances learning (37). Matched in evaluations elsewhere are students’ anticipated easier transition towards practice and their greater awareness of possible careers (13, 16, 38, 39).…”

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).…”