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  • Title: Dental students' reflections on their community-based experiences: the use of critical incidents.
    Author: Mofidi M, Strauss R, Pitner LL, Sandler ES.
    Journal: J Dent Educ; 2003 May; 67(5):515-23. PubMed ID: 12809186.
    Abstract:
    Dental schools are challenged to develop new learning methodologies and experiences to better prepare future dental practitioners. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the community-based experiences of dental students as documented in their critical incident essays and explore what learning outcomes and benefits students reported. Following two required community-based clinical rotations, each student wrote a reflection essay on a self-defined critical incident that occurred during the rotations. Rotations took place in settings such as a public health clinic, special needs facility, hospital, or correctional institution. Essays for two classes of students were content-analyzed for recurring themes and categories. Students were confronted in their rotations with a wide range of situations not typically encountered in dental academic settings. Their essays showed that, as a result of these rotations, students developed increased self-awareness, empathy, communications skills, and self-confidence. Critical incidents challenged assumptions and stereotypes, enhanced awareness of the complexities of dental care, and raised complex ethical dilemmas. The essays also illustrated a heightened sense of professional identity and enabled students to appreciate the role dentistry can play in impacting patients' lives. We concluded from the study that community-based dental education that includes a process for reflection holds promise as an educational strategy to facilitate the personal and professional development of future dentists.
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