Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2025

Author Spotlight: Evaluating Clinicians' Adoption of Ultrasound-Guided Vascular Cannulation Through Simulation Training
Published on: August 9, 2024
Contributions of a University Extension Programme in Special Care Dentistry to Education and Training of
Riéli Elis Schulz1, Érica de Jesus1, Del Rosário Ruiz Nunez1
1Graduate Program in Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil.
Background:
People with disabilities (PWD) have poor oral health and difficulties in accessing dental care. The lack of skills, willingness, or confidence of dentists to treat PWD could contribute to this scenario.
Objective:
To understand the contributions of the Special Care Dentistry university extension programme to the professional and personal development of undergraduate students based on their perceptions.
Study Design:
Qualitative research was conducted with 12 undergraduate students who participated in the university extension programme, totalling 257 h of practice. Data was collected through a written questionnaire with open-ended questions before and after their engagement in the programme activities. These data were analysed using the inductive content analysis technique, with coding and categorisation processes.
Results:
We considered two categories of contributions: professional and clinical experiences in dental care for PWD and the student teaching-learning process. The first addressed the singularities of dental care for PWD, the apprehension of the student, and the need for humanised care. The second highlighted expanding professional opportunities, improving skills, and pursuing lifelong learning and lessons. In addition, the regular undergraduate curriculum added theoretical and clinical experiences.
Conclusions:
Students reported a significant improvement in confidence and safety for dental care for PWD by developing their critical thinking and clinical care skills.
Related Concept Videos
Specialized Care Centers and Settings-II
Rural health centers are specialized care facilities in remote locations with very few medical personnel. The primary care providers who run the centers are mostly Registered Nurse Practitioners. Here, emergency treatment is provided to critically ill or injured patients before they are transferred to the closest hospital. Fortunately, due to advancement in technology, many rural healthcare facilities and professionals have easy access to diagnostic and treatment...
Specialized Care Centers and Settings-I
Daycare centers
They provide several functions. Some facilities care for healthy newborns and children whose parents work, while others are medically focused and care for...
National Nursing Organizations II
The AACN emphasizes a healthy work environment through six standards to achieve an optimal patient outcome. The standards are appropriate staffing, meaningful recognition, collaboration, authentic leadership, effective communication, and decision-making. In addition, AACN provides certification programs, webinars, journals, and...
Restorative Care
Tertiary Healthcare System
Teeth
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin...

