Browsing by keyword "*Oral Health"
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Implementation of STFM's "Smiles for Life" oral health curriculum in a medical school interclerkshipBACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: While oral health is an important topic for medical education, it is often not covered in medical school. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) has recently set guidelines for oral health training in medical education. Our objective was to demonstrate how a mandatory interclerkship (half-day workshops taught between third-year clerkships) that covers pediatric, urgent care, examination skills, and prevention topics in oral health can lead to an increase in knowledge for medical students. METHODS: Teaching methods included the use of interactive lectures, an audience response system, and small-group workshops taught by medical and dental educators. The curriculum was based on the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) Smiles for Life National Oral Health Curriculum. Students were given pretests and posttests, including a 6-month follow-up test. RESULTS: Students showed a significant improvement in knowledge between pretesting and immediate posttesting across a range of topics. Long-term knowledge retention was more limited. The majority of students reported enthusiasm for this topic and found the materials essential for their training. CONCLUSIONS: A brief interclerkship can improve medical students' oral health knowledge and be engaging. More research is needed to evaluate means to sustaining the knowledge.
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Oral health during pregnancyOral health care in pregnancy is often avoided and misunderstood by physicians, dentists, and patients. Evidence-based practice guidelines are still being developed. Research suggests that some prenatal oral conditions may have adverse consequences for the child. Periodontitis is associated with preterm birth and low birth weight, and high levels of cariogenic bacteria in mothers can lead to increased dental caries in the infant. Other oral lesions, such as gingivitis and pregnancy tumors, are benign and require only reassurance and monitoring. Every pregnant woman should be screened for oral risks, counseled on proper oral hygiene, and referred for dental treatment when necessary. Dental procedures such as diagnostic radiography, periodontal treatment, restorations, and extractions are safe and are best performed during the second trimester. Xylitol and chlorhexidine may be used as adjuvant therapy for high-risk mothers in the early postpartum period to reduce transmission of cariogenic bacteria to their infants. Appropriate dental care and prevention during pregnancy may reduce poor prenatal outcomes and decrease infant caries.
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The Central Massachusetts Oral Health Initiative (CMOHI): a successful public-private community health collaborationOBJECTIVES: The Central Massachusetts Oral Health Initiative (CMOHI) aimed to improve access to quality oral health care in central Massachusetts. METHODS: A broad-based public and private organization partnership with local and national funding created a steering committee to organize school administrators, community leaders, and a medical school to collaborate on five goals: advocate for changes in oral health policy, increase oral health care access, provide school-based dental services for underserved children, establish a Dental General Practice Residency, and educate medical professionals about oral health. RESULTS: A state legislative Oral Health Caucus helped secure sought-after policy improvements; more regional dentists now accept Medicaid; community health center capacity to provide dental services was expanded; school-based programs were designed and delivered needed dental services; a dental residency was created; and methods of educating medical professionals were established. CONCLUSIONS: Significant sustainable gains in oral health care access were created through our multifaceted approach, ongoing evaluation and communication, coordination of CMOHI partner resources, and collaboration with other involved parties.