Bridging Dental Education Gaps in Uganda through Blended Learning: A Qualitative Study

Area of Science:

• Oral Health Education
• Medical Informatics

Background:

• Uganda experiences critical shortages in its oral health workforce, hindering access to essential dental care.
• The Uganda Christian University School of Dentistry (UCUSoD) introduced a blended learning model, integrating online components to improve dental education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a hybrid learning approach in enhancing dental students' knowledge.
• To evaluate the impact of blended learning on student preparedness for clinical practice in pediatric dentistry.

Main Methods:

• A six-part virtual pediatric dentistry seminar series was conducted with fourth-year dental students in collaboration with Health Volunteers Overseas (HVO).
• Student knowledge, perceptions, and engagement were evaluated using pre- and post-seminar surveys, supplemented by focus group discussions with students and faculty.

Main Results:

• Students reported enhanced confidence and knowledge in pediatric dentistry, with increased interest in specialization.
• Participants valued learning from international experts and accessing recorded lectures for deeper understanding.
• Faculty recognized hybrid education's potential to address shortages, enrich curricula, and align training with global standards.

Conclusions:

• Blended learning presents a viable strategy for strengthening dental education in resource-constrained environments.
• Strategic investments in technology, faculty training, and practical skills are crucial for optimizing blended learning outcomes.
• International collaborations and refined hybrid strategies can bolster Uganda's oral health workforce and improve patient care.