Design, Implementation, and Assessment of Virtual Training of Dental Students in Elderly Dentistry Topic Publisher



Sargeran K¹ ; Razeghi S¹ ; Khorshidi Z¹ Show Affiliations
Source: Iranian Journal of Ageing Published:2018

Abstract

Objectives To achieve better oral health care for the growing elderly population it requires education of dentists who have attitudes; knowledge and skills. With regard to the benefits of web-based training, the present study aimed to design, implement, and evaluate a short virtual course in geriatric dentistry for the senior dental students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences and compare it with traditional method. Methods & Materials In the present interventional study, 64 senior dental students participated. In one group (n=31) educational content presented through virtual method and in the other group (n=33) via traditional manner. A standard questionnaire was completed by both groups before and after the educational intervention. The questionnaire included questions on general knowledge and attitudes of aging and knowledge, attitude and performance about geriatric oral health. Statistical analysis was conducted with SPSS software using covariance and regression tests. Results No significant difference found between the mean scores of general knowledge and attitudes of aging and knowledge and attitudes about geriatric oral health of two groups. The mean scores of geriatric oral health practice in the traditional and virtual groups increased from 45.4+20 to 56.9+26 and from 52.9+20 to 75.4+21, respectively, after the intervention (P < 0.05). Regression analysis on the scores of students before the intervention showed that the general attitude of aging was related to living with the elderly at the present time, however no significant relationship was observed in other areas such as between students' scores and their background factors. Conclusion The virtual method is effective in gaining educational insights about geriatric dentistry compared with traditional method and can be used as an alternative for teaching gerodontology to dental students. © Iranian Journal of Ageing, 2017.