From classroom teaching to clinical practice : experiences of senior dental students regarding the shortened dental arch concept
Date
2014-06-01
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
American Dental Education Association
Abstract
This study explored the barriers to a meaningful translation of didactic classroom instruction to clinical practice, using
the shortened dental arch (SDA) concept as a case study. A combination of survey and individual and group interviews (a mixedmethods
approach) was used to collect data related to the SDA. The cohort consisted of senior dental students and their clinical
teachers at the University of the Western Cape, South Africa. The response rates were 100 percent for the students (n=73) and
78 percent for the clinical teachers (n=16). Triangulation was employed to eliminate bias and strengthen the reliability of the research.
In the quantitative analysis, most students (81 percent) reported having heard about the SDA concept at the university, but
their responses revealed an absence of clinical implementation. The students agreed that patients can function adequately with an
SDA and agreed with presenting it as a treatment option to patients. In the qualitative analysis, a “change in the clinical requirements,”
“being empowered by exposing them to SDA literature,” and “change in health policies” were recommended measures to
increase implementation of the SDA approach clinically. The students were positive about the SDA as a treatment option, but the
lack of adequate knowledge and encouragement in clinical implementation was a hindrance to its use.
Description
CITATION: Khan, S.B., Chikte, U.M.E. & Omar, R. 2014. From classroom teaching to clinical practice: Experiences of senior dental students regarding the shortened dental arch concept. Journal of Dental Education, 78(6):906-913.
The original publication is available at http://www.jdentaled.org
The original publication is available at http://www.jdentaled.org
Keywords
Dental health education -- South Africa, Dental arch
Citation
Khan, S.B., Chikte, U.M.E. & Omar, R. 2014. From classroom teaching to clinical practice: Experiences of senior dental students regarding the shortened dental arch concept. Journal of Dental Education, 78(6):906-913.