Shaping tomorrow's dentists: a multi-institutional survey of undergraduate dental students' perceptions towards interprofessional education

Lin GSS 1 , Ng YS 2 , Hashim H 3 , Foong CC 4 , Yahya NA 5 , Halil MHM 6 Show all authors , Ahmad MS 7

Affiliations 

  • 1 Department of Restorative Dentistry, Kulliyyah of Dentistry, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan Campus, Kuantan, Pahang, 25200, Malaysia. [email protected]
  • 2 Department of Dental Materials, Faculty of Dentistry, Asian Institute of Medicine, Science and Technology (AIMST) University, Bedong, Kedah, 08100, Malaysia
  • 3 Department of Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Asian Institute of Medicine, Science and Technology (AIMST) University, Bedong, Kedah, 08100, Malaysia
  • 4 Medical Education and Research Development Unit (MERDU), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia
  • 5 Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia
  • 6 Department of Restorative Dentistry, Kulliyyah of Dentistry, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan Campus, Kuantan, Pahang, 25200, Malaysia
  • 7 Centre of Comprehensive Care Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh Campus, Shah Alam, Selangor, 47000, Malaysia
BMC Oral Health, 2024 Jul 04;24(1):762.
PMID: 38965533 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04532-y

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Interprofessional education (IPE) is essential to foster collaboration among healthcare professionals for holistic patient care. However, Malaysian dental education remains discipline-centric, hindering multidisciplinary learning approaches. Hence, this study aimed to explore Malaysian undergraduate dental students' perceptions of IPE.

METHODS: The present cross-sectional study employed convenience sampling to survey undergraduate dental students from four Malaysian institutions using a modified questionnaire with 20 close-ended and 2 open-ended questions. The questionnaire covered three domains (effectiveness, preference, importance) to assess students' perceptions using a five-point Likert scale. Psychometric validation was performed to assure validity and reliability of the modified questionnaire. Quantitative analysis (descriptive and inferential statistics), and qualitative analysis (content analysis) were subsequently performed.

RESULTS: 397 students responded, and positive perceptions were generally noted with mean scores ranging from 4.13 to 4.35 across all domains. Questions 2 and 3, assessing the improvement in understanding the roles and responsibilities, and communication among healthcare professionals, received the highest mean scores. Meanwhile, Question 15 concerning the incorporation of IPE into educational goals received the lowest mean score. Regression analysis identified gender and clinical phase as significant factors, with females and preclinical students exhibiting more favourable perceptions. Motivators for IPE included a keen interest in diverse perspectives and recognising the importance of teamwork, while barriers encompassed tightly packed schedules, lack of understanding about IPE, misconceptions regarding dental education, and students' nervousness and fear of participation.

CONCLUSION: This study produced a valid and reliable instrument to measure undergraduate dental students' perceptions towards IPE. Strategic planning, such as overcoming logistical challenges, improving awareness, and creating a supportive learning environment are crucial for successful IPE integration into existing curricula, especially in resource-constrained developing countries like Malaysia.

* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

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