Implementing a Prenatal Oral Health Program for Dental Students: Lessons Learned.

Area of Science:

• Dental Education
• Public Health
• Maternal Health

Background:

• The Prenatal Oral Health Program (pOHP) was established to enhance dental student education on prenatal oral health.
• Program development focuses on quality improvement and increasing access to dental care for pregnant women.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate student perceptions of different clinical structures, curriculum integration, and learning experiences within the pOHP.
• To identify optimal program implementation models and timing for dental student training in prenatal oral health.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods design was employed, combining quantitative survey data from 81 fourth-year dental students.
• Qualitative data were gathered from a 7-participant student-faculty-staff focus group.
• The study compared various clinical structures, curriculum placement, patient care coordination, and interprofessional learning experiences (IPE).

Main Results:

• A 96.4% survey response rate was achieved. Trends emerged comparing students with and without clinical experience in prenatal care (31% had experience).
• An integrated clinic was generally preferred, but students with pOHP patient experience favored a standalone model.
• Both survey and focus group data indicated a preference for third-year placement, though experienced students favored second-year placement. Patient care coordinators and IPE were deemed essential.

Conclusions:

• Student perceptions of the pOHP are significantly influenced by their clinical experiences.
• Findings highlight the advantages and disadvantages of different implementation models, informing future curriculum development.
• The study provides insights for creating and modifying programs to enhance prenatal oral health education and care.