In real life: evaluating primary care based undergraduate dental education in Northwest England

Abstract

Aim: To explore how working at Dental Education Centres (DECs), away from the university campus, has influenced the attitudes of dental students towards providing dental care in a primary setting, and whether students feel that this model of dental education meets their perceived training needs.

Design: Exploratory, qualitative interview study.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews with five 4th BDS students analysed using thematic analysis.

Results: The main theme identified was ‘real life dentistry’ as students described how their clinical experiences and the teaching at DECs would prepare them for life as a general dental practitioner. Students felt they had a positive impact on their patients, and although some felt they could not comment on the impact to the community, others thought that this was likely to be positive.

Discussion: Students believed they experienced ‘real life dentistry’ which would prepare them well for their foundation year and future practice. They also believed they had a positive impact on their patients.