Educational Outcomes Associated With Undergraduate Dental Education in Primary Care and Community Settings in Europe: Findings From a Rapid Scoping Review.

Abstract

Background: Recent decades have seen the emergence of primary care and community (PCC) based dental education in settings that are separate to dental teaching hospitals, including general dental practice and salaried dental services. By mirroring care delivery in these services, this experience can facilitate students' transition to independent clinical practice.

Objectives: To identify educational outcomes associated with PCC-based undergraduate dental education in Europe.

Methods: Web of Science, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Academic Search Complete and ERIC were searched, and peer-reviewed articles were selected based on inclusion criteria. Following data extraction, a narrative synthesis of findings was conducted with outcomes grouped and themed into five domains: 'practical skills'; 'teamwork and the business of dentistry'; 'preparedness for independent practice'; 'population and dental public health' and 'specialty specific outcomes'.

Results: Forty-seven studies from the UK, Germany, and Nordic countries were included. PCC-based education was noted for promoting teamwork and affording undergraduates experience in the operation of dental clinics. Improved practical skills relating to treatment planning, provision of holistic care, communication and clinical productivity were observed. Students also gained experience in population and dental public health, paediatric and special care dentistry.

Conclusions: PCC-based dental education facilitates students in consolidating their learning and honing their skills in preparation for independent practice. The outcomes cited align with many of the objectives and intended learning outcomes of such programmes, as well as recommendations relating to education and workforce development outlined in the WHO global strategy and action plan on oral health.