Special Needs Dentistry: perception, attitudes and educational experience of Malaysian dental students

Abstract

A compromised oral health condition amongst patients with special health care needs (SHCN) has been associated with the reluctance and shortage of skills of dental professionals in managing such patients. Lack of training and experience at the undergraduate level are reported barriers to the provision of care for this patient cohort. Undergraduate education therefore, plays an important role in producing professionals with the knowledge, skills and positive attitude in treating patients with SHCN. This study aims to determine the level of knowledge, comfort and attitudes of Malaysian undergraduate dental students towards caring for patients with SHCN, as well as their perception on education in this field. A self-administered questionnaire was administered in the classroom style to final year undergraduate dental students in Malaysian public dental schools. Most students were aware of Special Needs Dentistry (SND) as a specialty after being informed by academic staff. The majority of the students demonstrated poor knowledge in defining SND and felt uncomfortable providing care for such patients. They perceived their undergraduate training in SND as inadequate with most students agreeing that they should receive didactic and clinical training at undergraduate level. A high percentage of students also expressed interest in pursuing postgraduate education in this area of dentistry despite the lack of educational exposure during undergraduate years. The study supports a need for educational reform to formulate a curriculum that is more patient-centred, with earlier clinical exposure in various clinical settings for students to treat patients with special health care needs, applying the concept of holistic care in a variable clinical condition.

Oral Health Education for Medical Students: Malaysian and Australian Students’ Perceptions of Educational Experience and Needs

“…The instrument was adapted from surveys used in previous studies. [10][11][12][13][14] Prior to conducting the survey, we tested the instrument in a content-validation process with a panel of senior medical faculty members in both countries, followed by a pilot study with small groups of Malaysian fourth-year (n=10) and Australian thirdyear (n=6) medical students. Appropriate modifications were made to the instrument after the content validation and pilot study.…”

Experience of Caregivers Caring for Children with Cerebral Palsy in Accessing Oral Health Care Services: A Qualitative Study

“…Additionally, some caregivers stated that dental personnel showed impatience, lack of empathy and gave unclear oral health care instructions during the appointment. This finding is supported by other studies that receiving inconsistent oral health information and lack of skill amongst dental professionals in managing children with CP would disempowered the caregivers and denied their access to proper dental care (Huang et al, 2012;Ahmad et al, 2015). Therefore, continuous training need to be emphasised for dental personnel in improving their communication skills, awareness and attitudes towards appreciating and respecting people with disabilities (Cumella et al, 2000).…”

“…Additionally, children with CP attending the CBR had the advantage to expose themselves to the environment and to develop basic learning skills. Cooperation with organisation or institutions supporting people with disability may facilitate and expose the caregiver in gaining dental service (Ahmad et al, 2015). The Special Smiles of Special Olympics in the United States is one of the initiatives that provides comprehensive oral health care information, creating awareness and improving access to dental care especially to participating Special Olympics athletes (Ahmad et al, 2015;Special Olympics, n.d.).…”

Special Care Dentistry Curriculum at The Undergraduate Level : Students’ Prespective

“…2 The increase in the population of special needs patients (SNP) is probably due to the increase in their life expectancy. 3 According to WHO data, which was published in 2011, life expectancy in Malaysia is approximately 72 years for males and 76 years for females. 4 Disabilities not only affect the individuals but also on the people around them such as families and care takers, support systems as well as the delivery of health care services.…”

“…4 Disabilities not only affect the individuals but also on the people around them such as families and care takers, support systems as well as the delivery of health care services. 3 People with disabilities as those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments, which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in the society. 5 In terms of oral health, Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) defines special needs patients as individuals 'whose medical, physical, psychological or social situations make it necessary to modify normal dental routines in order to provide dental treatment for that individual.…”