Impact of outreach activities at the College of Dentistry, Taibah University

Abstract

Objective: Outreach activities are a pillar in teaching and training medical and dental students. The College of Dentistry at Taibah University conducted its first outreach activity in 2011 and a second in 2012, both for third-year dental students. The students visited a rehabilitation centre (2011) and an international primary school (2012) to conduct examinations and offer oral health and nutritional advice. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of these outreach activities on dental students. Materials and Methods: All third-year students in 2011 (N = 16) and 2012 (N = 16) were asked to participate in the outreach activity. All were male. After completing the outreach project, each student was asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire modified from one used in similar studies. Results: The response rate was 91% (N = 29). As there were no significant differences between the results for the two groups, the data were combined for the analysis. The commonest problems were poor infection control (28%) and insufficient equipment (24%). All the students reported that the outreach programme was rewarding, and many asked that such activities be made available more often. All the students felt more aware of the community's needs, and 88% agreed that they had a responsibility to serve their communities. Conclusion: The programme had a positive effect and enhanced the personal growth and social responsibility of the students. It exposed the students to the needs of schoolchildren and marginalized communities in Madinah. © 2012 Taibah University.