Evaluation of an interprofessional education program in pediatric dentistry, medicine, and nursing

The purpose of this study was to assess whether the Strategic Partnership for Interprofessional Collaborative Education in the Pediatric Dentistry (SPICE-PD) program at the UCLA School of Dentistry positively affected interprofessional experiences and practice patterns of pediatric and general dentistry residents, pediatric medical residents, and pediatric nurse practitioner students (PNPs).

Data collection included a year-end online survey given to participants in the interprofessional program upon graduation from their UCLA dental/medical/nursing programs. Of the 318 participants who were recruited into SPICE-PD, 208 (65%; 208/318) completed the survey. Chi-square tests were used to assess differences in key outcome variables by dental/medical specialty.

Most dental, medical, and nursing participants thought SPICE-PD helped them learn to work more effectively with interprofessional colleagues and reported knowing more about the abilities and contributions of other health professionals as a result of the program. While most pediatric medical residents and PNPs thought SPICE-PD improved their skills to screen for early childhood caries (N = 91% and N = 100%), PNPs were more likely than pediatric medical residents to report SPICE-PD improved their skills to apply fluoride varnish (98% versus 72%; p < 0.001). Almost all pediatric medical residents and PNPs thought primary care providers should incorporate oral health into routine patient care and provide referrals to dental professionals when necessary.

Increased interprofessional education and coordination of care through programs such as SPICE-PD can help bridge the gap between dental and medical care and lead to improved oral health outcomes and more comprehensive and preventive patient care.