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Published on: February 2, 2020
Dental hygiene education in Nepal
R J M Knevel1, C Luciak-Donsberger
1Dental Hygiene School Amsterdam, INHolland University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. ron.knevel@inholland.acta.nl
International Journal of Dental Hygiene
|February 14, 2009
Summary
Dental hygiene education in Nepal began in 2000, evolving through curriculum changes and professionalization efforts. Despite challenges, a Nepalese citizen
Area of Science:
- Oral Health Education
- Public Health Policy
- International Dentistry
Background:
- Dental hygiene education was non-existent in Nepal prior to 2000.
- The establishment of dental hygiene programs was driven by individual initiative.
- Nepal faces unique challenges as a developing nation in establishing new health professions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the history and evolution of dental hygiene education in Nepal.
- To analyze recent curriculum modifications and the legal framework governing the profession.
- To illustrate how dedicated individuals can establish new professions in resource-limited settings.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative interviews with the founder of the first dental hygiene school.
- Personal visits to two dental hygiene schools in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Analysis of curricular development and advisory role since 2006.
Main Results:
- The first dental hygiene course commenced in Kathmandu in 2000, with a 3-year program established by 2005.
- The Nepalese Dental Hygienists Association was founded in 2006, enhancing professional recognition.
- Current challenges include quality assurance and defining a scope of practice appropriate for a developing country, with Nepal noting an almost equal gender distribution in the profession.
Conclusions:
- The development of dental hygiene in Nepal demonstrates successful professionalization despite resource constraints.
- Further efforts are needed to address quality assurance and scope of practice for sustainable growth.
- Nepal's dental hygiene sector presents a unique case study in professional development within a developing nation.
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