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Geriatric patient simulations for dental hygiene
L A Johnson1, M A Cunningham, M W Finkelstein
1Department of Oral Pathology, Radiology, and Medicine, University of Iowa, College of Dentistry, Iowa City 52242, USA. Lynn-Johnson@uiowa.edu
Journal of Dental Education
|August 1, 1997
Summary
Computer-based simulations effectively train dental hygiene students in geriatric patient care. These simulations offer standardized clinical experiences, especially for institutions lacking geriatric resources.
Area of Science:
- Dental Hygiene Education
- Geriatric Dentistry
- Medical Simulation
Background:
- The growing elderly population necessitates specialized dental care.
- Dental hygiene students require practical skills for geriatric patient management.
- Limited research exists on computer-based simulations for dental hygienist training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design, develop, and evaluate computer-based geriatric simulated patients for dental hygiene education.
- To assess the effectiveness of these simulations as an instructional method.
Main Methods:
- Development of eighteen computer-based geriatric simulated patients.
- Description of design, validation, authoring, and evaluation phases.
- Summative evaluation conducted across four institutions using pre/post-tests.
Main Results:
- Computer-based simulations were found to be an effective instructional method.
- Simulations provided a standardized set of geriatric patient experiences.
- Pre/post-test results indicated significant learning gains.
Conclusions:
- Computer-based simulations are a valuable tool for training dental hygiene students in geriatric care.
- These simulations can supplement or replace clinical experiences where resources are limited.
- They offer a standardized and accessible approach to geriatric dental education.