Self-reported experience of outreach activities amongst undergraduate oral health students at a university in South Africa

Abstract

INTRODUCTION : Outreach activities (OAs) are structured learning experiences, combining intentional learning goals with services to underserved communities. Oral health students participated on the Phelophepa Train (PT) and school-based programmes (SBPs) as part of their OAs. AIM AND OBJECTIVES : To evaluate the self-reported experiences of OA amongst undergraduate oral health students. DESIGN : Cross-sectional which included final year dental (N=62) and oral hygiene students (N= 13) registered in 2019. METHODS : Information was obtained using a modified, self administered questionnaire which included the number and type of procedures performed; work-related limitations, personal work benefits, academic development and civic responsibility. RESULTS : The response rate was 93% (N=65) and students performed more procedures on the train compared to the SBP. Most common procedures undertaken by dental students were screening (64%) and restorations (56%) for oral hygiene students it was screenings (92%) and examinations, fissure sealants and screenings 39% on the train and 31% at SBPs. The most common challenges on both the train and SBPs were inadequate materials (74%) and (41%), poor infection control (15%) and (41% and defective equipment (31%) and (38%) respectively. CONCLUSION : Although students performed a variety of clinical services they reported to have faced a number of challenges. The majority of students reported that OAs exposed them to the needs of the communities and encouraged them to improve their independence and accountability towards patients.