Journal article
Dentists' comfort in treating underserved populations after participating in community-based clinical experiences as a student
Journal of dental education, Vol.72(4), pp.422-430
04/2008
DOI: 10.1002/j.0022-0337.2008.72.4.tb04507.x
PMID: 18381848
Abstract
The purpose of this project was to determine new dentists' comfort levels in treating traditionally underserved populations after participating in two consecutive five-week community-based clinical experiences while in dental school. A written survey was mailed to all known University of Iowa alumni (1992-2002; N=745). Respondents were asked to rank their comfort levels in treating twelve underserved populations on a five-point Likert type scale (5=no problem; 1=will not). Bivariate and logistic regression model analyses were performed to examine associations (p<0.05) among comfort and six predictor variables. Alumni (n=372) were most comfortable treating other ethnic, low-income, non-English-speaking, and HIV+/AIDS populations and least comfortable treating incarcerated and homebound populations. The following variables were significantly associated with comfort: 1) perception that the community experiences had great/much value; 2) practice located in larger communities; 3) non-solo practitioners; and 4) dentist's gender. As more dental schools utilize community-based clinical experiences to increase students' exposure to underserved populations, it is important that these experiences provide exposure to a variety of populations. Additionally, dental schools should continuously monitor the short- and long-term value of these programs for their students and recent graduates.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Dentists' comfort in treating underserved populations after participating in community-based clinical experiences as a student
- Creators
- Michelle R McQuistan - Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, University of Iowa College of Dentistry, 343 Dental Science Building North, Iowa City, IA 52242-1010, USA. michelle-mcquistan@uiowa.eduRaymond A KuthyKeith E HellerFang QianKatharine J Riniker
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Journal of dental education, Vol.72(4), pp.422-430
- Publisher
- United States
- DOI
- 10.1002/j.0022-0337.2008.72.4.tb04507.x
- PMID
- 18381848
- ISSN
- 0022-0337
- eISSN
- 1930-7837
- Grant note
- This project was supported, in part, by NIH/NIDCR T32 DE14678 and Dows Student Research Award, University of Iowa College of Dentistry.
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 04/2008
- Academic Unit
- Preventive and Community Dentistry; Public Policy Center (Archive); Dental Research; Oral Health Policy Research
- Record Identifier
- 9983917764902771
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