IADR Abstract Archives
Self-Reported Experience of Outreach Activities Amongst Undergraduate Oral Health Students at a University in South Africa.
Objectives: Evaluate the self-reported experiences of OA amongst undergraduate oral health students at UP.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study including final year dental (N=62) and oral hygiene students (N= 13) registered in 2019. The information was obtained using a modified, self-administered questionnaire with open and closed questions. This included the number and type of procedures performed daily; work-related limitations, personal work benefits, academic development and civic responsibility. Results were anonymous and confidential with ethical clearance obtained from the Faculty Ethics Committee.
Results: The response rate was 87% (N=65) with students having performed more procedures on the train compared to the school. The most common procedures undertaken by dental students on the train and SBPs were screening (64%) and restorations (56%) respectively. The most common procedures done by the oral hygiene students were screenings (92%) on the train and (31%) at SBPs. Challenges included inadequate materials (74%) and (41%), poor infection control (15%) and (41%) and defective equipment (31%) and (38%) on the train and SBPs respectively. The majority (97%) reported that OAs made them more responsive to the needs of the communities. Autonomy to work alone and exposure to the community encouraged students to improve their independence and accountability towards communities and patients.
Conclusions: Students performed a variety of clinical services. Their self-assurance in accepting their responsibility and moral obligation through connecting with communities and applying their skills in authentic situations strengthened the importance of OAs.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study including final year dental (N=62) and oral hygiene students (N= 13) registered in 2019. The information was obtained using a modified, self-administered questionnaire with open and closed questions. This included the number and type of procedures performed daily; work-related limitations, personal work benefits, academic development and civic responsibility. Results were anonymous and confidential with ethical clearance obtained from the Faculty Ethics Committee.
Results: The response rate was 87% (N=65) with students having performed more procedures on the train compared to the school. The most common procedures undertaken by dental students on the train and SBPs were screening (64%) and restorations (56%) respectively. The most common procedures done by the oral hygiene students were screenings (92%) on the train and (31%) at SBPs. Challenges included inadequate materials (74%) and (41%), poor infection control (15%) and (41%) and defective equipment (31%) and (38%) on the train and SBPs respectively. The majority (97%) reported that OAs made them more responsive to the needs of the communities. Autonomy to work alone and exposure to the community encouraged students to improve their independence and accountability towards communities and patients.
Conclusions: Students performed a variety of clinical services. Their self-assurance in accepting their responsibility and moral obligation through connecting with communities and applying their skills in authentic situations strengthened the importance of OAs.