2024 Scholars' Research Symposium Abstract: Oral Health Education Enhancement For South Dakota Medical Learners

Medical education focuses on the biochemical origins, pathophysiologic pathways, diagnosis and treatment of human illnesses. While this educational training attempts to be all-encompassing, oral health and the associated pathologies are not commonly emphasized in medical training. Disparities in oral health have detrimental effects on systemic disease and impacts patient well-being. This project aimed to evaluate the integration of an oral health education pilot program into the medical school curriculum by assessing students' and residents' baseline understanding and perspectives of oral health, followed by a lecture on oral health basics. The goal was to enhance physicians' knowledge so they can help future patients recognize the impact good oral health care has on their overall health.

27 Center for Family Medicine (CFM) residents, 15 USD pediatric residents, and 64 USD SSOM Pillar 2 (MS3) medical students received a lecture on oral health basics. Medical learners received a 10-question pre-lecture quiz to assess their baseline knowledge, followed by the same 10-question post-lecture quiz to assess knowledge gained. Students who attended in person also practiced the application of fluoride resin on oral cavity models and on one another. Lectures were given in various formats, with both the CFM and pediatric residents receiving the presentation through a live Zoom meeting. The Pillar 2 medical students were able attend the lecture, either in person or through Zoom, with 10 students attending the in-person lecture.

Of the 106 learners, 88 (83%) completed pre- and post-lecture questionnaires. Quiz results demonstrated that the session helped learners gain knowledge in oral health basics, pathology, and treatment, with almost a 20% increase in average quiz scores across all participants. Further statistical analysis, with paired t-tests, demonstrated that the increase in examination scores were all statistically significant with p less than 0.05 in all groups.

The oral health education pilot program, using lecture presentation format over Zoom, was an effective method to increase both resident and student knowledge of oral health basics, pathology, and treatment. Considering the statistical increase in student performance and comfort level with performing essential examinations, this project also demonstrated that students and residents were engaged in the topic and emphasized the importance of oral health education. Based on the positive response to this pilot project, it is suggested that faculty consider integrating this into the medical school curriculum.