Shenuka Singh
University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Title: Can undergraduate student learning in prevention infl uence oral health self-care practices? A report from a South African University
Biography
Biography: Shenuka Singh
Abstract
Introduction: Student attitudes and behavior towards their own oral health status could refl ect their understanding of the
importance of oral health promotive activities.
Study Objectives: Th is was a qualitative and exploratory study designed to gain a deeper understanding of the extent to which
the undergraduate curriculum could act as an enabler for student oral health self-care practices.
Methods: Data collection comprised of document analysis (curriculum review) and in-depth face-to-face interviews with
undergraduate dental therapy and oral health students and academic staff at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Ten students
volunteered to participate in the study while fi ve academic staff were purposively selected. A separate interview schedule was
developed for students and staff respectively. Th e emergent themes from document analysis were compared to the analyzed
data from the interviews.
Results: Th e curriculum was underpinned by a strong foundation in prevention, and there was consensus among respondents
that the curriculum met the needs for undergraduate training in preventive dentistry. Th e following themes emerged from
data analysis: curriculum support for self-care practices; depth and scope of clinical training; role of clinical supervisors and
challenges in clinical training. Respondents agreed that the curriculum could infl uence students’ attitudes towards self-care
practices such as tooth brushing and fl ossing but that academic responsibilities and clinical contact time placed constraints on
these practices.
Conclusion: Th e undergraduate curriculum does provide support for enabling student knowledge acquisition and positive
attitudes, but more eff ort is required to enable oral health behavioral modifi cations among students