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Pritchard L, Keshoor S, Eley D, Beckett D, Bromage A, Knevel R, Satur J, Stormon N. Oral health students' perceptions of the learning environment in Australia and New Zealand: A DREEM study. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF DENTAL EDUCATION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR DENTAL EDUCATION IN EUROPE 2024; 28:779-788. [PMID: 38481021 DOI: 10.1111/eje.13005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Oral Health Therapists (OHTs) are a growing workforce globally, with skills in oral health prevention, treatment planning and management of disease. These professionals receive their training through a three-year undergraduate program which leads to the Bachelor of Oral Health degree in Australia and New Zealand. The aim of this study was to describe the learning environment for OHT students in Australia and New Zealand. OHT students were requested to complete the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) to indicate their perceptions of the environment of their educational program. MATERIALS AND METHODS Bachelor of Oral Health students from 10 universities in Australia and New Zealand were invited to participate in the survey. The analysis of the students' experiences focused on five domains of educational environment: learning, teaching, academic self-perception, atmosphere and social self-perception. Total DREEM scores were compared to previously published literature for other health professions students. RESULTS A total of 336 OHT students completed the study, which represented 30% of all OHT students enrolled in the 10 participating universities. Using the DREEM, participants perception of the environment was more positive than negative with an average DREEM total score of 141 (70.5%) out of a maximum score of 200. The model demonstrates university region to be a major predictor in the overall DREEM score, with regional universities scoring higher than urban universities (p = .012). CONCLUSIONS The DREEM was used to describe OHT students perceptions of the learning environment in Australia and New Zealand. This study found that the university region is a significant predictor of positive experiences for OHT students. By identifying the strengths and weaknesses of contemporary Oral Health programs, this study offers insights into future improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Pritchard
- UQ Oral Health Centre, School of Dentistry, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - S Keshoor
- Oral Health Department, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - D Eley
- The University of Queensland Medical School, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - D Beckett
- Department of Oral Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - A Bromage
- School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, North Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
| | - R Knevel
- School of Nursing, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - J Satur
- Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - N Stormon
- UQ Oral Health Centre, School of Dentistry, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Queensland Health, Metro North Hospital and Health Services, Community and Oral Health, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Gallagher JE, Mattos Savage GC, Crummey SC, Sabbah W, Makino Y, Varenne B. Health workforce for oral health inequity: Opportunity for action. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0292549. [PMID: 38870162 PMCID: PMC11175420 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Oral health is high on the global agenda following the adoption of the 2022 global strategy on oral health at the 75th World Health Assembly. Given the global burden of oral disease, workforce development to achieve universal health coverage [UHC] is crucial to respond to population needs within the non-communicable disease agenda. The aim of this paper is to present an overview of the oral health workforce [OHWF] globally in relation to key contextual factors. Data from the National Health Workforce Accounts and a survey of World Health Organization [WHO] member states were integrated for analysis, together with country-level data on population and income status. Data are presented using the WHO categorisation of global regions and income status categories established by the World Bank. Workforce densities for key OHWF categories were examined. Multiple regression was used to model workforce density and contextual influences. Challenges and possible solutions were examined by country income status. There are approximately 3.30 dentists per 10,000 population globally, and a combined OHWF [dentists, dental assistants/therapists and dental prosthetic technicians] of 5.31 per 10,000. Marked regional inequalities are evident, most notably between WHO European and African regions; yet both make greater use of skill mix than other regions. When adjusted by region, 'country income status' and 'population urbanization' are strong predictors of the workforce density of dentists and even more so for the combined OHWF. Maldistribution of the workforce [urban/rural] was considered a particular workforce challenge globally and especially for lower-income countries. Strengthening oral health policy was considered most important for the future. The global distribution of dentists, and the OHWF generally, is inequitable, with variable and limited use of skill mix. Creative workforce development is required to achieve the global oral health agenda and work towards equity using innovative models of care, supported by effective governance and integrated policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E. Gallagher
- Dental Public Health, Centre for Host Microbiome Interactions, King’s College London, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, Denmark Hill Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Grazielle C. Mattos Savage
- Dental Public Health, Centre for Host Microbiome Interactions, King’s College London, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, Denmark Hill Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah C. Crummey
- Dental Public Health, Centre for Host Microbiome Interactions, King’s College London, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, Denmark Hill Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Wael Sabbah
- Dental Public Health, Centre for Host Microbiome Interactions, King’s College London, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, Denmark Hill Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yuka Makino
- Noncommunicable Diseases Management Team, WHO Regional Office for Africa, Cité Djoué, Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Benoit Varenne
- WHO Oral Health Programme, Noncommunicable Diseases Department | Division of Universal Health Coverage & Communicable and Noncommunicable Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Swift H, Farhang T, Georgei M, Lalloo R. Learning on the country: Motivating dental students to attend a rural placement. J Dent Educ 2024; 88:524-532. [PMID: 38420864 DOI: 10.1002/jdd.13468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES This research aimed to identify factors that affect dental students' attitudes toward participation in rural clinical outplacements (RCOP) in Australia, and to suggest strategies that will increase students' desire to attend RCOP in the future. METHODS Dental students from the nine dental schools in Australia were invited to an online survey on their willingness to participate in an RCOP and the factors that influence this willingness. These factors were grouped into themes of education, personal and health, social, financial, and information-related. RESULTS The study had an estimated response rate of 10% with 202 responses. More than two-thirds (68%) of students were willing to participate in an RCOP. Students who grew up in a rural area were significantly more likely to be willing to attend an RCOP, compared to those from urban settings. Attitudes toward the anticipated educational experience of RCOP were positive, while factors related to finances and pre-existing information were of concern to students. Educational, personal/health-related, and social factors had significant impacts on participants' willingness to attend RCOP. CONCLUSION Overall, despite students holding negative opinions on certain social and financial factors, their positive attitudes toward other factors outweighed these. Universities should aim to further promote the educational benefits of RCOP to improve students' attitudes prior to attending RCOP. In-depth qualitative analysis is required to explore students' concerns regarding RCOP and longitudinal research is warranted to monitor students' attitudes toward RCOP and rural work over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazel Swift
- The University of Queensland, School of Dentistry, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tina Farhang
- The University of Queensland, School of Dentistry, Queensland, Australia
| | - Maribelle Georgei
- The University of Queensland, School of Dentistry, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ratilal Lalloo
- The University of Queensland, School of Dentistry, Queensland, Australia
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Yang SX, Lo ECM, Leung KCM. Outreach dental care programme for older adults using long-term care services in Hong Kong: A qualitative study. Gerodontology 2024; 41:141-148. [PMID: 37792413 DOI: 10.1111/ger.12717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the effects and improvement needs of an outreach dental care programme (ODCP) for older adults using residential care or daycare services from the perspectives of the caregivers, the dentists and administrative staff involved in the implementation of the ODCP. METHODS A qualitative study was conducted through semi-structured interviews with three stakeholders, long-term care (LTC) facility caregivers, administrative staff and dentists working for the ODCP. Combined maximum variation and snowball sampling strategies were adopted, and 22, 9 and 7 participants were interviewed from each stakeholder, respectively. The interviews were conducted via telephone, which were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim for analysis. NVivo software was used for storing and analysing the data. Data analysis was conducted continuously during the study. RESULTS Most participants opined that the ODCP benefited older adults by raising their oral health conditions and awareness. However, they complained of the complicated administrative procedures, unmet dental treatment needs, inefficient coordination, unclear work guidelines and shortage of dental manpower. More advanced dental treatment options, better coordination among different parties, simpler administrative processes and better incentives for dentists were proposed to further improve the programme. CONCLUSIONS According to the stakeholders, ODCP seems beneficial to older adults using LTC services. Further improvements in the scope of dental treatments, cooperation between the outreach dental teams and caregivers, and streamlining of the administrative process are needed for the provision of effective outreach dental care to satisfy the unmet treatment needs of older adults who use LTC services. Better incentives are needed to attract and retain dentists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella X Yang
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Edward C M Lo
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Beeler E, Brenton-Rule A, Carroll M. Recruitment and retention of the rural podiatry workforce in Aotearoa New Zealand: a qualitative descriptive study of podiatrist perceptions. J Foot Ankle Res 2022; 15:58. [PMID: 35945617 PMCID: PMC9361604 DOI: 10.1186/s13047-022-00562-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Past research into the Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) podiatry workforce has indicated a shortage of podiatrists, particularly in rural NZ. However, there has been no research investigating the characteristics of the NZ rural podiatry workforce. This study aimed to explore the factors which contribute to recruitment and retention of primary care podiatrists in rural NZ. Methods A qualitative descriptive approach was implemented for data collection and analysis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 podiatrists who currently, or previously, worked in a rural podiatry practice. Manifest content analysis was used to analyse participant’s responses. A deductive approach was used where data were identified and coded according to predetermined themes from the literature. Results Four themes that influenced recruitment and retention were derived from the interviews: (1) professional factors, (2) economic factors, (3) social factors, and (4) external factors. Interviews revealed that clinical inexperience, a sole practice environment, professional and social isolation, and workload pressures combined to affect recruitment and retention. Strong community bonds, family ties, and a rural background were crucial to thrive in the rural setting. Conclusion A sustainable rural podiatry workforce is required to reduce health disparities that exist in NZ rural communities. The study identified that most practitioners entered the rural workforce into self-employed positions, often shortly following graduation from university. They soon reported feelings of professional isolation due to limited support networks. Practitioners established in the rural workforce noted significant workload stresses. Stresses stemming from an inability to source locums, take time away from work, or recruit new staff to fill vacant positions. Research examining support mechanisms for inexperienced practitioners and targeted strategies to grow the rural workforce and reduce attrition is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Beeler
- Department of Podiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health & Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Private Bag 92006, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Angela Brenton-Rule
- Department of Podiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health & Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Private Bag 92006, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Matthew Carroll
- Department of Podiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health & Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Private Bag 92006, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand.
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Dickson‐Swift V, Crocombe L. Missed opportunities for improving oral health in rural Victoria: The role of municipal public health planning in improving oral health. Health Promot J Austr 2022; 33:509-518. [PMID: 34337819 PMCID: PMC9786634 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
ISSUE ADDRESSED People in rural areas have poorer oral health than their urban counterparts due to a range of factors. Local governments (LGs) have a key role in addressing health issues that impact on local communities. METHODS Publicly available oral health profile (OHP) data and Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plans (MPHWPs) (2017-2021) were downloaded from Dental Health Services Victoria and LG websites for 48 Victorian local government areas (LGAs) containing predominately rural areas. OHP data were collated to provide an overview of the oral health status of the communities and a content analysis of the MPHWPs undertaken. RESULTS Despite poor oral health in rural Victorian LGAs, oral health was not often in MPHWPs. Twenty of the MPHWPs had some mention of oral health but only four included specific actions or strategies that would be used to improve oral health. None of the plans contained any specific targets for action or details of evaluations that might be used to assess success. CONCLUSIONS Poor oral health in rural Victorian communities continues to be demonstrated through local OHPs and is due to modifiable risk factors and poor access to water fluoridation. LGs have a key role to play in improving oral health through utilisation of OHP data in their MPHWPs. SO WHAT?: Oral health remains a low priority for LG action. This represents a missed opportunity for prioritising oral health prevention and promotion activities that improve oral health in rural Victoria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Dickson‐Swift
- La Trobe Rural Health SchoolViolet Vines Centre for Rural Health ResearchBendigoVic.Australia
| | - Leonard Crocombe
- Department of Dentistry and Oral HealthLa Trobe Rural Health SchoolBendigoVic.Australia
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Beccaria L, McIlveen P, Fein EC, Kelly T, McGregor R, Rezwanul R. Importance of attachment to place in growing a sustainable Australian Rural Health Workforce: A rapid review. Aust J Rural Health 2021; 29:620-642. [PMID: 34612538 DOI: 10.1111/ajr.12799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Personal, community, and environmental factors can influence the attraction and retention of regional, rural, and remote health workers. However, the concept of place attachment needs further attention as a factor affecting the sustainability of the rural health workforce. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this rapid review was to explore the influence of a sense of place in attracting and retaining health professionals in rural and remote areas. DESIGN A systematic rapid review was conducted based on an empirical model using four dimensions: place dependence, place identity, social bonding and nature bonding. English-language publications between 2011 and 2021 were sought from academic databases, including studies relevant to Australian health professionals. FINDINGS A total of 348 articles were screened and 52 included in the review. Place attachment factors varied across disciplines and included (a) intrinsic place-based personal factors; (b) learning experiences enhancing self-efficacy and rural health work interest; (c) relational, social and community integration; and (d) connection to place with lifestyle aspirations. DISCUSSION This rapid review provides insight into the role of relational connections in building a health workforce and suggests that community factors are important in building attachment through social bonding and place identity. Results indicate that future health workforce research should focus on career decision-making and psychological appraisals including place attachment. CONCLUSION An attachment to place might develop through placement experiences or from a strong rural upbringing. The importance of the relational interactions within a work community and the broader community is seen as an important factor in attracting, recruiting, and sustaining a rural health workforce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Beccaria
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD, Australia
| | - Peter McIlveen
- School of Education, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD, Australia
| | - Erich C Fein
- School of Psychology and Counselling, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD, Australia
| | - Tricia Kelly
- Library Services, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD, Australia
| | - Rowena McGregor
- Library Services, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD, Australia
| | - Rana Rezwanul
- Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD, Australia
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Johnson G, Foster K, Blinkhorn A, Clive Wright FA. Rural clinical school dental graduates views on rural and metropolitan employment. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF DENTAL EDUCATION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR DENTAL EDUCATION IN EUROPE 2020; 24:741-752. [PMID: 32602995 DOI: 10.1111/eje.12564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is a maldistribution of dental professionals working in rural and remote regions of Australia. This study investigates dental graduates from a newly established rural clinical school (RCS) at Charles Sturt University (CSU), New South Wales, Australia, and records graduates' workforce locations and views on working in both metropolitan and rural practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS In late 2015 to early 2016, CSU graduates of 2013 and 2014 were asked to complete a telephone interview related to their employment choices. Thirty-nine interviews (68% of contactable graduates) were completed. Qualitative framework analysis was applied to identify trends and themes. RESULTS More than half of the graduates were working rurally, with 67% working full-time and 77% in private practice. Key influencing factors on graduates related to rural employment were as follows: family and personal relationships, developing clinical skills, rural community, lifestyle, professional support, mentorship, job availability, full-time employment and financial incentives. Key barriers to working rurally included leaving family and friends, small patient base, low salary, partner factors, and professional and personal isolation. CONCLUSION More than half of the CSU graduates were working in rural communities, demonstrating initially positive rural workforce outcomes. Reasons for choosing to work rurally were complex and spanned a broad spectrum of social, personal, professional development and support, community, economic, environmental and lifestyle factors. Future workforce strategies should apply a broad multifactorial approach to consider the complex interrelated employment factors. Furthermore, increased evaluation is required of the CSU programme, with increased workforce outcomes and exploration of employment retention factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Johnson
- Sydney Institute for Women, Children and their Families, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kirsty Foster
- Office of Medical Education, Mayne Medical School, University of Queensland, Herston, Qld, Australia
| | - Anthony Blinkhorn
- Population Oral Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Fredrick A Clive Wright
- Centre for Education and Research on Ageing, Concord Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Jean G, Kruger E, Tennant M. Distribution of private dental practices and dentists 2011 and 2018: Analysis by regional area. Aust J Rural Health 2020; 28:453-461. [PMID: 33001524 DOI: 10.1111/ajr.12658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine whether there has been a change in access to private dental services in regional and remote areas of Australia by comparing the distribution of private dental practices and dentists in 2011 to the distribution in 2018 according to state and territory and the Accessibility/Remoteness Index of Australia Plus. DESIGN AND SETTING A database of dental practices and dentists in Australia was compiled from open-access sources for 2011 and 2018; dental practices were mapped by state, Accessibility/Remoteness Index of Australia Plus and Statistical Area 2 census district and linked to population data. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Change in number of private dental practices, mean number of dentists per private practice, population per dental practice and mean number of dentists per population by geographic location from 2011 to 2018. RESULTS There were more dental practices in rural and remote areas in 2018 than in 2011. The percentage of Statistical Area 2s without a private dental practice was lower in 2018 but remained high in rural areas and increased with remoteness-inner regional 23.1%; outer regional 31.6%; and remote and very remote 48%. Growth in registered dentist numbers did not match population growth, and on average, there were less dentists per practice in inner regional and remote and very remote areas by the end of the study. CONCLUSION There has been an improvement in spatial access to private dental services in regional areas of Australia, but slower rate of growth of dentist numbers compared to population growth resulted in poorer access to dental services and large population numbers must still travel outside their local Statistical Area 2 census district to access dental care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian Jean
- International Research Collaborative - Oral Health and Equity, School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Estie Kruger
- International Research Collaborative - Oral Health and Equity, School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Marc Tennant
- International Research Collaborative - Oral Health and Equity, School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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Abuzar M, Crombie F, Bishara K, Bryan A, Chan K, Chang B, Chang D, Cheng WI(E, Chu R. Pre-Outplacement Perceptions of Dental Students Regarding Rural Oral Health Practice and Associated Factors. Dent J (Basel) 2020; 8:dj8010022. [PMID: 32102259 PMCID: PMC7148476 DOI: 10.3390/dj8010022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Rural outplacement programs have been offered by Australian universities to encourage dental students to consider rural careers. The dental curricula should be designed to provide graduates with a good understanding of oral health issues that rural oral health care workers face. Pre-outplacement perceptions of dental students on rural practice are considered imperative to review and update the outplacement programs; however, they have not been investigated in detail. An online, anonymous, voluntary survey was conducted among the first-year dental students. The responses were solicited on the level of awareness and understanding of rural oral health, intention to practice in rural locations and factors informing the appeal of rural dental practice. The mean of a seven-point Likert scale revealed that most students had some level of perceived knowledge and awareness of rural communities and oral health. Students with rural affiliation were more likely to have the intent to practise rurally after graduation (p = 0.001). For short-term rural practice, students overall expressed positive intention. Greater job opportunities were the main motivating factor, while the distance from family and friends was the main deterring factor for practising rurally. Rural affiliation influences the intent to practise rurally on graduation. The pre-outplacement perceptions, in this study, are comparable with post-outplacement observations reported in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menaka Abuzar
- Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia; (F.C.); (K.B.); (A.B.); (K.C.); (B.C.); (D.C.); (R.C.)
- School of Dentistry and Oral Health, Griffith University, Gold Coast 4215, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Felicity Crombie
- Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia; (F.C.); (K.B.); (A.B.); (K.C.); (B.C.); (D.C.); (R.C.)
| | - Karin Bishara
- Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia; (F.C.); (K.B.); (A.B.); (K.C.); (B.C.); (D.C.); (R.C.)
| | - Annesley Bryan
- Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia; (F.C.); (K.B.); (A.B.); (K.C.); (B.C.); (D.C.); (R.C.)
| | - Kenneth Chan
- Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia; (F.C.); (K.B.); (A.B.); (K.C.); (B.C.); (D.C.); (R.C.)
| | - Brendan Chang
- Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia; (F.C.); (K.B.); (A.B.); (K.C.); (B.C.); (D.C.); (R.C.)
| | - Denise Chang
- Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia; (F.C.); (K.B.); (A.B.); (K.C.); (B.C.); (D.C.); (R.C.)
| | - Wei-I (Elizabeth) Cheng
- Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia; (F.C.); (K.B.); (A.B.); (K.C.); (B.C.); (D.C.); (R.C.)
| | - Ryan Chu
- Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia; (F.C.); (K.B.); (A.B.); (K.C.); (B.C.); (D.C.); (R.C.)
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Johnson G, Foster K, Blinkhorn A, Wright FC. Exploration of the factors that influence new Australian dental graduates to work rurally and their perspectives of rural versus metropolitan employment. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF DENTAL EDUCATION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR DENTAL EDUCATION IN EUROPE 2019; 23:437-447. [PMID: 31206944 DOI: 10.1111/eje.12450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The challenges in the recruitment and retention of dentists in rural Australia have contributed to a lack of dental service provision to rural communities. This paper explores the workforce factors involved in the employment location decisions of dentists' post-graduation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Graduates between 2009 and 2013 from the University of Sydney, Dental School, were asked to complete a telephone interview related to their employment history. A total of 135 interviews were conducted, with 63% (135/214) of contactable graduates, or 33.4% (135/404) of all the graduates (2009-2013). Interviews followed a semi-structured script. RESULTS Key factors which positively impacted on rural employment included the following: job competition in metropolitan areas, good rural salaries, financial incentives, clinical experience, rural lifestyle and professional mentorship. Barriers were as follows: proximity to friends and family, building a social and professional network, isolation, less professional support and reduced access to education. CONCLUSION Recommendations to increase rural employment include: competitive rural salaries, financial incentives and formal mentorship during both recruitment and integration into a rural community. Dental schools should consider advertising identified drivers of rural employment, namely good salaries, full-time employment, clinical experience and rural lifestyle. This study provides important information related to rural employment and rural retention.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Johnson
- Sydney Institute for Women, Children and their Families, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kirsty Foster
- Office of Medical Education, Mayne Medical School, University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Anthony Blinkhorn
- Population Oral Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Fredrick Clive Wright
- Centre for Education and Research on Ageing, Concord Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Johnson G, Byun R, Foster K, Wright FAC, Blinkhorn A. A longitudinal workforce analysis of a Rural Clinical Placement Program for final year dental students. Aust Dent J 2019; 64:181-192. [DOI: 10.1111/adj.12691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G Johnson
- Sydney Institute for Women, Children and Their Families Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Sydney Medical School University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - R Byun
- Centre for Oral Health Strategy Ministry of Health Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - K Foster
- Northern Clinical School University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Office for Global Health Sydney Medical School Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - FAC Wright
- Centre for Education and Research on Ageing Concord Clinical School University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - A Blinkhorn
- Population Oral Health University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
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Irving M, Short S, Gwynne K, Tennant M, Blinkhorn A. ‘I miss my family, it's been a while…’ A qualitative study of clinicians who live and work in rural/remote Australian Aboriginal communities. Aust J Rural Health 2016; 25:260-267. [DOI: 10.1111/ajr.12343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Irving
- The Poche Centre for Indigenous Health; University of Sydney; New South Wales Australia
- Faculty of Dentistry; University of Sydney; New South Wales Australia
| | - Stephanie Short
- Faculty of Health Sciences; University of Sydney; New South Wales Australia
| | - Kylie Gwynne
- The Poche Centre for Indigenous Health; University of Sydney; New South Wales Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences; University of Sydney; New South Wales Australia
| | - Marc Tennant
- International Research Collaborative - Oral Health and Equity; Department of Anatomy; Physiology and Human Biology; The University of Western Australia; Perth Western Australia Australia
| | - Anthony Blinkhorn
- Faculty of Dentistry; University of Sydney; New South Wales Australia
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