From Theory to Clinic: Exploring Dental Student Perspectives on Preventive Dentistry in Baghdad - a Qualitative Study

Although preventive dentistry is generally acknowledged as the foundation of oral health, its actual use in clinical settings frequently takes a backseat to curative care. The viewpoints of dental students are essential for comprehending the systemic and educational elements influencing the direction of preventive care in the future.

To explore students' opinions on preventive dentistry, related challenges, and dental students' aspirations toward preventive dental practice.

Twenty participants were purposively sampled between 13 semi-structured interviews and one focus group discussion (seven participants), from two of the largest universities in Baghdad, both Mustansiriyah university and Baghdad University. Discussions were based on a well framed topic - guide questions that included open-ended questions. All interviews and focus group discussion were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Inductive thematic analysis was used for data analysis.

Findings revealed mainly negative views and experiences represented as structural barriers and cultural obstacles that students have encountered. Highlighting the significance of mentorship, communication skills, the aspirational vision students hold and the integration of theory and practice. They were grouped into four major themes: sociocultural influences on education and oral health, school curriculum issues, students' appeal for preventive dentistry as future specialty, and challenges students encounter with preventive dentistry inside clinics. Fifteen different codes categorized these themes.

Dental students view the importance of prevention as a concept rather than as a clinical specialty. Although students appreciate and acknowledge the value of preventive dentistry, some systemic, educational and sociocultural barriers hamper its effective implementation. This mainly highlights the educational foundation for the subject of preventive dentistry, which does not have the required attention in dental schools. This problem is beyond mentors, curricula, and the educational establishment. It might be deeply rooted within the cultural and environmental influences. There is a need for improvement in the curricula and policies to incorporate preventive approaches more thoroughly, and empower students in a more preventive-oriented direction, which may significantly alter the way oral health care being provided.