Using an expanded oral health curriculum by practicing physician assistants

This study evaluated the use of an oral health curriculum in physician assistant (PA) practice.

An oral health curriculum was provided to PA students by dental hygiene faculty. Six months after entering the workforce, the same group was surveyed (n = 46) to evaluate their perception about their abilities to identify certain dental conditions and perform activities relating to oral care. The frequency with which they performed or observed dental conditions in their workplace was also surveyed.

The return rate was adequate at 50% (N = 23). All respondents, regardless of practice type, felt able to identify oral issues and perform oral health tasks. PAs working in primary care performed significantly more oral health procedures than PAs working in specialist settings.

Collaborative efforts between departments of dental hygiene and PAs can successfully produce health professionals who are competent in directing patients about their oral health needs.