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Reflective Learning Outcomes of Community-Based Experiences: A Qualitative Study
Joanna J Sager1, Christine M Blue2
1Joanna J. Sager, MDH, RDH, is Field Coordinator, Minnesota Collaborative Rural Oral Health Project, Department of Admissions and Diversity, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry; and Christine M. Blue, MS, DHSc, is Associate Professor and Director, Division of Dental Hygiene, Department of Primary Care, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. Mcsp0001@umn.edu.
Community-based learning experiences significantly impacted senior dental and hygiene students, enhancing their understanding of oral health disparities and professional responsibility through critical incident essays.
Area of Science:
- Dental Education
- Public Health
- Community Health
Background:
- Community-based learning is increasingly integrated into health professions education.
- Understanding student perceptions of these experiences is crucial for curriculum development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the meaning of community-based experiences for senior dental and dental hygiene students.
- To analyze critical incidents reported by students in community clinic settings.
Main Methods:
- Critical incident essays were collected from senior dental and dental hygiene students.
- A total of 108 dental and 22 dental hygiene students participated.
- Essays focused on incidents during community clinic rotations.
Main Results:
- Key themes identified include professional responsibility, volunteerism, and oral health education importance.
- Community-based learning challenged students' perceptions of oral health disparities.
- The meaning of professional responsibility was expanded for participating students.
Conclusions:
- Reflective community-based learning is effective in addressing perceptions of oral health disparities.
- Experiential learning in community settings broadens students' understanding of professional roles.
- Curricula should incorporate reflective community-based experiences to foster social accountability.
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