Interprofessional Education in Dentistry: Exploring the Current Status and Barriers in the United States and Canada

Abstract

Interprofessional education (IPE) is defined as the collaborative learning process involving two or more healthcare professions to enhance teamwork and patient care. While the dental profession plays a key role in patient health, its integration into IPE remains underreported. This review examines the current status of IPE in undergraduate and graduate dental curricula, focusing on barriers such as time constraints, curriculum gaps, and limited faculty engagement. Through a review of the literature, including surveys and studies, findings suggest that while IPE has been increasingly incorporated into dental programs, challenges such as inadequate curricular integration and resource constraints hinder its full potential. Moreover, although dental students express positive perceptions toward IPE, translating these into actionable outcomes remains a challenge. The review also highlights the need for innovations, including online learning and faculty training, to overcome these barriers. Recommendations include integrating IPE into clinical training, improving faculty participation, and leveraging technology to foster collaboration and ultimately improve patient care outcomes.