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General practitioners' perceptions of the effects of a distance learning programme
F M Paterson1, R C Patterson, A S Blinkhorn
1Department of Conservative Dentistry/Child Dental Health, Glasgow Dental Hospital and School.
British Dental Journal
|July 6, 1991
Summary
General dental practitioners reported positive impacts from a distance learning program on their sealant restoration techniques. The study monitored changes in sealant use and perceptions of the educational program.
Area of Science:
- Dental Public Health
- Dental Education
Background:
- Sealant restoration techniques are crucial for preventive dentistry.
- Assessing the impact of continuing education on dental practice is important.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate changes in sealant restoration use among general dental practitioners.
- To understand practitioners' perceptions of a distance learning program's effect on their techniques.
- To gather data on sealant use prior to the 'old contract' termination.
Main Methods:
- A postal/telephone survey was conducted among 400 general dental practitioners in Greater Glasgow and Lanarkshire.
- The survey took place between May and September 1990.
- A response rate of 66.7% was achieved.
Main Results:
- 88% of surveyed dentists were placing sealant restorations.
- Practitioners' perceptions of the distance learning program were encouraging.
- 16-44% of dentists reported changes in clinical techniques due to the program.
Conclusions:
- The distance learning program positively influenced dental practitioners' techniques.
- Further investigation into continuing education's role in dental practice is warranted.