UCSF

Primary care and healthcare providers can facilitate childrens timely referral to a dental home. However, there are few studies of providers oral health knowledge and clinical skills. This study aims to improve future healthcare providers knowledge, confidence, attitude, and clinical competence in assessing childrens oral health. Sixty-five health professional students participated in a 10-week didactic and clinical curriculum on childrens oral health. Fifty students completed pre- and post-training questionnaires and were assessed in their knowledge, confidence, and attitude. Calibrated examiners graded students clinical skills on a 24-point grading criterion. Descriptive statistics, paired sample t-test, and Pearson correlation were used in data analyses. Students were in dentistry (46%), nursing (28%), medicine (22%), and pharmacy (3%). Students significantly improved in knowledge (t = -7.71, p < 0.001), confidence (t = -10.30, p = <0.001), and attitude (t = -4.24, p = <0.001). Students on average scored 83% on clinical competence, with the highest average for fluoride varnish application (96%) and lowest for providing anticipatory guidance (69%). There was a moderate correlation between improvement in knowledge and their clinical skills (r = 0.39, p = 0.010). Interprofessional education improves students knowledge, confidence, attitude, and clinical competence in assessing childrens oral health. Such education is necessary in guiding future providers to gain adequate competence in serving childrens oral health needs.