Interprofessional Learning and Oral Health-Related Attitudes and Knowledge Among Nursing Students at a University in Sweden-An Exploratory Study.

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate an interprofessional learning (IPL) session involving dental hygiene students and nursing students and to investigate the nursing students' oral health-related knowledge and attitudes.

Material and method: First, a questionnaire about knowledge and attitudes regarding oral health was answered by 84 nursing students. After an IPL session, including dental hygiene students and nursing students, both groups completed an evaluation questionnaire.

Results: Both student groups stated that the IPL had led to an increased understanding of each other's professional roles and the importance of collaboration. Among the nursing students, 67.9% rated their knowledge about oral health as good/fairly good. Only 15.5% rated their knowledge about gum diseases as good/fairly good and 44% their knowledge about caries as good/fairly good. Additionally, 48.8% fully agreed/agreed that they felt secure performing oral care on care recipients. The nursing students had received little or no oral health-related education.

Conclusion: For nursing students, the IPL has led to an increased understanding of how oral diseases can be detected, prevented and treated. For the dental hygiene students, the IPL session has led to an improved capability to discuss oral health and oral care with another profession and to a better understanding of the nurse's role regarding oral healthcare. Both student groups have increased their awareness of the importance of future interprofessional collaboration. IPL about oral health and oral care should be integrated more broadly into dental hygiene and nursing education.