34 - Impact of Community Based Dental Education on Level of Clinical Independence of Pre-doctoral Dental Students

Abstract:

Background: Since the implementation of community based dental education (CBDE) programs in dental school curricula, there has been limited research regarding the effects of this experiential learning on participants’ clinical abilities.

Objectives: This study examines the impact of the CBDE rotation on the level of clinical independence among predoctoral dental students using the unique evaluative metric called the Independence Scale, which measures the daily formative assessments of all pre-doctoral clinical procedures at Indiana University School of Dentistry (IUSD).

Methods: Descriptive Statistics, assessment of sample normality, t-test and stepwise logistic regression were performed to present the difference in average independence scale scores for the participants in each of the clinical disciplines before and after the rotation as well as an average difference in the overall cumulative average scores of the participants.

Results: Study participants’ cumulative average independence scores significantly increased following the CBDE rotation.

Conclusions: This study supports existing literature regarding the benefits of community rotation experiences upon dental school training outcomes. Further examination of CBDE and like programs across dental schools can provide insight into respective program adaptations and level of impact.

Source of Funding: None