Abstract
Background:
Addressing oral health disparities in marginalised communities remains a significant challenge in dental education and practice. This study, conducted through the Dundee Dental Connect (DDC) project, explores an innovative collaborative model where dental students, supervisors, and third-sector managers co-create and deliver oral health interventions. This approach aims to improve both student learning and community health outcomes, particularly in areas of high need.
Aim:
To evaluate the effectiveness of student-delivered oral health interventions through a co-creation approach.
Methods:
A qualitative study was conducted using NVivo software and thematic analysis to process data gathered from focus groups involving 13 dental students, 2 supervisors, and 2 third-sector managers. The focus groups explored the participants' experiences in co-designing and delivering oral health interventions to the community.
Results:
Seven themes emerged, with students reporting increased confidence, enhanced communication skills, and a deeper understanding of the barriers faced by marginalised communities. Key themes highlighted include the importance of cultural competence, preventive care, and the role of mentorship in shaping student development. The co-creation approach has proven effective in preparing students to work in diverse healthcare environments.#
Areas where additional support and feedback would be welcome:
Further feedback is needed on refining co-creation methodologies and incorporating more quantitative assessments of the long-term impact on student learning and community health outcomes.
Addressing oral health disparities in marginalised communities remains a significant challenge in dental education and practice. This study, conducted through the Dundee Dental Connect (DDC) project, explores an innovative collaborative model where dental students, supervisors, and third-sector managers co-create and deliver oral health interventions. This approach aims to improve both student learning and community health outcomes, particularly in areas of high need.
Aim:
To evaluate the effectiveness of student-delivered oral health interventions through a co-creation approach.
Methods:
A qualitative study was conducted using NVivo software and thematic analysis to process data gathered from focus groups involving 13 dental students, 2 supervisors, and 2 third-sector managers. The focus groups explored the participants' experiences in co-designing and delivering oral health interventions to the community.
Results:
Seven themes emerged, with students reporting increased confidence, enhanced communication skills, and a deeper understanding of the barriers faced by marginalised communities. Key themes highlighted include the importance of cultural competence, preventive care, and the role of mentorship in shaping student development. The co-creation approach has proven effective in preparing students to work in diverse healthcare environments.#
Areas where additional support and feedback would be welcome:
Further feedback is needed on refining co-creation methodologies and incorporating more quantitative assessments of the long-term impact on student learning and community health outcomes.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 15 Nov 2024 |
| Event | British Alliance of Researchers in Dental Education and Scholarship (BARDES) 2024 : Safe Practitioner framework and the GDC new LOs - King’s College London, London, United Kingdom Duration: 14 Nov 2024 → 15 Nov 2024 https://bardesofficial.com/conferences.html |
Conference
| Conference | British Alliance of Researchers in Dental Education and Scholarship (BARDES) 2024 |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | BARDES |
| Country/Territory | United Kingdom |
| City | London |
| Period | 14/11/24 → 15/11/24 |
| Internet address |