(PO-161) ObesityTraining in a Dental School Setting

Author: Anneta Bitouni, D.D.S. – Clinical Assistant Professor, Texas A&M College of Dentistry
Author: Peggy Timothe, D.D.S. M.P.H. – Assistant Professor, Texas A&M College of Dentistry
Author: Sumihiro Suzuki, Ph.D. – Professor, Rush University
Author: Shirley Lewis, B.D.S., M.S.D. – Clinical Assistant Professor, Texas A&M College of Dentistry
Submitter: Anneta Bitouni, D.D.S. – Clinical Assistant Professor, Texas A&M College of Dentistry

The purpose of this pilot project was to increase dental students’ knowledge at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry (TAMUCOD) regarding obesity as a public health problem, and their confidence towards screening and referrals.



Methods: An online training module was made available on the learning management software, eCampus/Blackboard. The project received ethics approval (TAMUCOD IRB ID: 2019-0240-CD-EXM) and dental students were recruited and given a $10 Starbucks gift card for participating. The module was comprised of obesity education. Pre- and post-test questions included demographic, and those to assess confidence, comfort and knowledge regarding screening and addressing obesity. Students first completed the pre-test, training module and post-test, and 2-4 weeks following, students completed the post-test again to assess retention of knowledge.

Results: Twenty seven dental students participated. Ten were first year, nine second year, three third year and five fourth year dental students. Nineteen were female and eight were male. Twenty three of the participants had no nutrition related qualifications. Overall, students had limited knowledge about obesity. In regards to knowledge obtained, there were statistically significant differences in scores when comparing pre vs. post questionnaires and pre vs. follow up (p < 0.05). No statistical association was found in scores between post and follow up in knowledge. Students were moderately confident towards screening and referral. Statistically significant differences were found in comfort and confidence levels when comparing pre and post questionnaires (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Data suggest that dental students require supplementary training on obesity. The module had a significant effect in increasing knowledge, that improvement was retained in subsequent weeks. In addition, a significant effect was also noted in participants’ comfort and confidence levels in addressing obesity. Dentists must be prepared to meet public health challenges; thus, obesity interventions should be part of the dental curriculum.