Dental teachers' perceptions about the status of geriatric dentistry in the dental curriculum: A qualitative exploration in the Indian context.

Autor: Shigli K; Department of Prosthodontics, DY Patil Dental School, Pune, Maharashtra, India., Nayak S; Public Health Dentist, Bangalore, India., Lagali-Jirge V; Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, KLE VK Institute of Dental Sciences, KAHER, Belagavi, Karnataka, India., Nerali JT; Department of General Dentistry, Penang International Dental College, Butterworth, Malaysia., Vadavi D; Department of Public Health Dentistry, DAPMRV Dental College, Bangalore, India., Oginni FO; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria., Kusurkar RA; Research in Education, Amsterdam UMC Location, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.; LEARN! Faculty of Psychology and Education, Research Institute for Learning and Education, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Jazyk: angličtina
Zdroj: Gerodontology [Gerodontology] 2024 Oct 20. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Oct 20.
DOI: 10.1111/ger.12793
Abstrakt: Background: The increasing geriatric population in India needs special attention from the oral health workforce. This study explores dental teachers' perceptions of the status of geriatric dentistry in the dental curriculum and the challenges of implementing geriatric dentistry curriculum in the present dental training sector in India from the trainers' (teachers) perspective.
Methods: We utilised a qualitative approach, and four focus group discussions were conducted with/among various levels of academic teachers-Heads of Departments (n = 8), Board of Study members (n = 7), Deans (n = 5), Lecturers and Associate professors (n = 8). All discussions were audio-taped and transcribed. Data was analysed thematically, and coding was done using an inductive approach. Consensus on themes was achieved through deliberations.
Results: Three themes were identified-Unique challenges in managing geriatric patients (bordering on Dental care, Attitude, Awareness, Social issues and dependency on family); Current issues with provision of geriatric care (Curricular concerns-Teachers' training, Students' training, Instructional content, timing of delivery; Students' and trainers' attitudes; Infrastructural issues) and Strategies for advancement (Sensitisation of policymakers, Collaboration with other agencies, Modification in course design, Improved educational strategies and Shift in patient care delivery).
Conclusion: Trainers perceived a strong need to develop geriatric competencies among dental students. A geriatric dentistry curriculum based on local needs could ensure the success and sustenance of change. Introducing specialisation in geriatric dentistry would ensure quality oral care for the rising geriatric population. Innovative teaching strategies, interdisciplinary training and the use of newer technologies could aid in improved teaching of geriatric dentistry.
(© 2024 Gerodontology Association and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)
Databáze: MEDLINE
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