Tufts University School of Dental Medicine Somerville, Massachusetts, United States
Author: Nadine Tassabehji, Ph.D, RDN, LDN – Assistant Professor, Tufts University School of Dentistry Author: Irina F. Dragan, D.D.S., D.M.D, M.S – Associate Professor, Department of Periodontology, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine Author: Abdulaziz F. Banasr, B.D.S – Tufts University School of Dental Medicine Submitter: Nadine Tassabehji, Ph.D, RDN, LDN – Assistant Professor, Tufts University School of Dentistry
Background: Oral health is closely related to many chronic diseases and health conditions. Dentists examine oral cavity, which can identify health issues, often before the general practitioner. The oral cavity is often referred to as a mirror of overall health. Nutrition and diet are often at the epicenter of these chronic diseases and health conditions. Dentist need to understand the importance of nutritional and dietary factors that contribute to the etiology, progression, and treatment of oral disease.
Objective: The aim of this poster is to highlight a model of integrating nutrition in the dental curriculum that has been implemented at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (TUSDM).
Methods: Using the recommendations from American Dental Education Association, TUSDM is educating future dentist on assessing nutrition and recommending dietary modification during the 4-year curriculum in various settings: didactic, preclinical and clinical.
Results: The TUSDM model to integrate nutrition emphasizes an interprofessional approach. Identified best practices to provide clinical experience opportunities for dental students to practice their nutrition skills are integrated during the 4-year program. Registered and student-dietitians work alongside dental students to educate patients about healthy eating habits to reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases and oral diseases. This interdisciplinary education fosters a shared understanding to improve patient care.
Conclusion: Nutrition and oral health have a bidirectional relationship with one another and the need for more collaboration between the two professions has never been more important. The TUSDM model connects, in a synergistic manner nutrition in the dental curriculum. This evidence underscores the role of the dentist in understanding the relationship between oral health and diet.
