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U.S. and Canadian dental school involvement in extramural programming
C S Ayers1, R Abrams, M Robinson
1Division Public Health Dentistry, Marquette University School of Dentistry, Milwaukee, WI 53201-1881, USA. curt.ayers@marquette.edu
Journal of Dental Education
|January 5, 2002
Summary
Most North American dental schools offer extramural programming, where dental students provide care in diverse community settings. Student participation in these essential clinical experiences increases each year, preparing them for practice.
Area of Science:
- Dental Education
- Public Health Dentistry
- Community Oral Health
Background:
- Extramural programming is integral to dental education, involving students in patient care outside traditional academic settings.
- Understanding the scope and nature of these programs is crucial for curriculum development and assessing student preparedness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey and identify the status of extramural programming in North American dental schools.
- To analyze student involvement, types of sites, and time allocation in extramural dental education.
Main Methods:
- A survey instrument was distributed to all United States and Canadian dental schools.
- A response rate of 79.7% was achieved, with data analyzed on program offerings and student engagement.
Main Results:
- 71% of schools utilized hospital clinics, 65% public health clinics, and 49% schools/day care centers for extramural activities.
- Student involvement in extramural programming steadily increased from freshman (1.9 weeks) to senior (5.3 weeks) year.
- Students spent the majority of their time (43.3%) delivering basic clinical services during these rotations.
Conclusions:
- The majority of North American dental schools provide diverse extramural experiences for students.
- Extramural programming is a significant component of dental education, with increasing student responsibility throughout their academic careers.
