Evaluating an Educational Module for Training Predoctoral Dental Students in Pediatric Dentistry

Thesis (Master's)--University of Washington, 2016-06

Purpose: To develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a video educational module and educational notecard on toddler and preschool oral health care for training dental students. Methods: A video educational module and educational notecard were developed as tools to teach dental students to provide oral health information for families with young children. Five key points - oral hygiene instruction, dietary counseling, “lift the lip” training, fluoride supplementation, and caries risk assessment - were discussed in the video educational module. A laminated notecard was provided in conjunction with the video module to be used chairside during examinations; the notecard listed the 5 key points from the video along with topic related pictures. These items were based on Washington’s Apple Health: Access to Baby and Child Dentistry (ABCD) Program and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s (AAPD) Guidelines on anticipatory guidance. Oral hygiene instruction was shown in a knee-to-knee position and in the dental chair for children 5 years and under. Descriptive statistics were calculated for student and patient demographic characteristics. Descriptive statistics were also calculated for the students’ perceptions of the video educational module, educational notecard and on their comfort levels in treating pediatric patients pre and post-module. Video recordings were viewed and scored for the students’ ability to delivery the 5 key points from the video educational module and notecard to the families during their appointment. Chi-square and Fisher’s Exact tests were used to evaluate the association between the data collected from the pre and post-module video recordings. Results: Twenty-two students participated in this study and 100% reported a willingness to treat children in their future dental practices. Post-module, more students demonstrated or discussed “lift the lip” (p<0.001) and dietary counseling on beverages in the home (p=0.009). Most of students (95%) found the video module to be helpful and 86% reported the notecard helpful. The majority (77%) of the students reported that the video module increased their comfort level in treating pediatric patients in their future practices. Conclusion: This video educational module and educational notecard is an effective adjunct tool for training dental students on infant and toddler oral health. After watching the video module, dental students showed increased delivery of oral health information topics to families. As a result of the video module, dental students reported improved comfort levels when treating young pediatric patients.