HIV Teaching: A dental curriculum which fosters knowledge and attitude

Abstract

HIV Teaching: A dental curriculum which fosters knowledge and attitude. Objectives: A pilot study to explore dental students views of current HIV related teaching and to assess the impact of this teaching on the students’ self-perceived confidence in delivering dental care to HIV patients. Methods: A short cross-sectional survey was conducted to gather the views of students on both objectives. Data was collected using an online self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive data analysis was conducted and used to present the data. Additionally, a one to one interview was performed with a past dental student for a thematic analysis. Results: The HIV teaching at this dental school uses different learning approaches involving didactic, reflective, and participatory methods to address the knowledge, attitudinal and skills objectives. A didactic and experiential problem-based approach using role-play with simulated patients with feedback, and discussion is utilised. Preliminary results show dental students perceive the course to be valuable and there is a general improvement in confidence in their knowledge and ability to communicate with HIV-positive patients. Conclusions: This evaluation suggests the course format and content are appropriate in providing education and training for dental students and supports the value of teaching HIV to undergraduate students.