The perception of special needs dentistry amongst newly graduate dentists

Summary This project will mainly explore the perception of only newly graduate students/dentists  in treating patients with SND.

Project Details

Internationally, there is a lack of clinical training in the management of people with special needs for undergraduate and postgraduate students. The dearth of individual dentists who are prepared or comfortable to provide care for special needs patients is another issue that impacts on management of this patient cohort. A lack of education regarding SND is by far, the greatest barrier. Recent literature suggests that undergraduate dental students may graduate with a lack of experience and clinical training in special care dentistry. This lack of experience, knowledge or confidence may negatively affect the provision of care for SND patients after graduation and may become a barrier to delivery of oral health care to patients requiring special care. For an oral health care professional with no knowledge of or training in providing care to patients with special needs, “there is certainly an emotional or even more complex psychological initial threshold that must be crossed”. The generally accepted consensus is that student experience in these specialised environments is an essential component of formal SND undergraduate training. It is required to enhance confidence, knowledge, and skills to fully understand the extent of oral health care needs and diversity in the community that would result in enhanced outcomes in this specific area of dentistry. This project will mainly explore the perception of only newly graduate students/dentists  in treating patients with SND.