(PO-165) Patient-centered Care Course: Lifting Students to the Next Level

Author: Soh Yeun Kim, D.D.S. – Course Director, Assistant Professor, Loma Linda University School of Dentistry
Author: Balsam Jekki, D.D.S. – Course Director, Associate Professor, Loma Linda University School of Dentistry
Author: Elvia Sandoval, RDA – RDA, Loma Linda University School of Dentistry
Author: Michael Fitzpatrick, D.D.S. – Professor, Loma Linda University School of Dentistry
Submitter: Soh Yeun Kim, D.D.S. – Course Director, Assistant Professor, Loma Linda University School of Dentistry

Objectives: Advances in dental education and the dynamic change of new generation of learners has challenged Loma Linda University School of Dentistry (LLUSD) to introduce curriculum changes that enable students to confidently rise to the next level in patient care. The objective of this presentation is to share the implementation and outcome of an innovative pre-clinical Patient-Centered Care (PCC) course at LLUSD.

Methods: The transition from didactic classroom and preclinical laboratory into the clinic accompanies excitement as well as significant amount of tension to students and the attending faculty. The PCC course is designed to ensure students will be well-prepared to operate effectively in the clinic as they provide patient care. The course aims to provide students with vital opportunities to study diverse patient-cases in classroom settings and practice various activities in clinical settings. The course is offered during the first and second year of dental school. It provides first-year dental students an early exposure to case-based patient scenarios utilizing flipped classroom and axiUm e-learning modules. Students are introduced to dental terminology, radiographic interpretations, and the electronic chart system. The PCC course during the second year focuses on patient case studies and emphasizes core clinical activities such as partner activities performing examinations, simulated case-based or problem-based activities and collaborative multidisciplinary activities. Students also rotate through radiology sessions and assist in the clinic, which promotes interactive learning from upper class students and foster a positive learning environment.

Results: The newly implemented PCC course has been instrumental in narrowing the gap between classroom and clinic. Students develop into confident independent dental providers which is reflected by the course evaluation

Results: The efficacy of the course is also supported by positive attending faculty feedback.

Conclusion: The newly implemented PCC course has been a significant curriculum change to provide enhanced patient care at LLUSD.