Simulation of Age-Related Limitations of Patients in Patient-Centred Dental Education

Young people, including dental students, generally have little experience with older people who suffer from multimorbidity with age-related functional and/or cognitive limitations. For this reason, the 'Gero-Parcours' (GP) as an educational instrument of multi-staging simulation teaching was developed for students to experience ageing and its limitation.

The GP consists of different stations (e.g., hearing and visual impairments, teeth brushing by third-party cleaners, emotion), which are completed within 15 minutes each by two students at the same time supervised by an educated professional. Students' assessment of the GP at the University of Leipzig, Germany between 2021 and 2024 was evaluated by using written questionnaires.

Student's experiences and perceptions of the GP highlighted its positive influence on their understanding of ageing. Most students stated that the course enriched their professional knowledge and dispelled misconceptions about ageing in patients. Some students expressed personal concerns about ageing. Students found the transfer from a wheelchair to a dental chair station most beneficial for their future work life, while the clinical nutrition station received the lowest rating.

The GP illustrates ageing with its limitations. The students and supervisors appreciated this practical training. However, when planning a GP, it is necessary to provide the necessary resources for the course. Students from the higher years can also be recruited and trained as supervisors.

The GP can be easily adapted to the number of students and supervisors as well as to the time available. As the students found the GP to be a helpful educational instrument, the authors recommend including it as mandatory in the dental education curriculum.