Integration of a Pilot Oral Health Curriculum into a Medical School Pediatric Rotation

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Oral Health
• Public Health

Background:

• Medical curricula often lack comprehensive oral health integration.
• Early exposure to oral health principles is crucial for future physicians.
• Physicians play a key role in identifying and managing oral health issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of an oral health curriculum on medical students' knowledge, skills, and beliefs.
• To assess the effectiveness of an interprofessional learning experience involving pediatric dental residents.
• To determine the utility of applying fluoride varnish as a practical skill.

Main Methods:

• Third-year medical students participated in a pre- and post-curriculum questionnaire assessment.
• The curriculum included an online learning module and clinical shadowing with pediatric dental residents.
• Students gained hands-on experience in applying fluoride varnish.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements were observed in medical students' oral health knowledge post-curriculum.
• Students demonstrated enhanced oral health-related skills after the educational intervention.
• Attitudes and beliefs regarding oral health became more favorable following curriculum completion.

Conclusions:

• Integrating oral health content into medical education positively impacts student knowledge and skills.
• Interprofessional collaboration in dental health education enhances medical students' understanding and attitudes.
• The curriculum effectively improved medical students' readiness to address oral health in primary care settings.