Peanchitlertkajorn S, Chalidapongse P, Jiansuwannapas T, Surinsirirat N, Khamphuang P, Boonyai P, Sipiyaruk K. Dental Sleep Medicine Education Amongst Accredited Orthodontic Programmes in Thailand.
Int Dent J 2024;
74:573-580. [PMID:
38044215 PMCID:
PMC11123519 DOI:
10.1016/j.identj.2023.10.020]
[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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Dental sleep medicine education (DSME) should be emphasised in postgraduate orthodontic training; however, there appears to be no clear guideline for its implementation into the curriculum.
OBJECTIVE
The aim was to investigate the current status of DSME as well as its feasibility and implementation in postgraduate orthodontic programmes.
METHODS
A structured interview with predetermined response options was chosen as a data collection method to gather relevant information from representatives of all accredited postgraduate orthodontic programmes in Thailand. These interviews were conducted online via the Cisco Webex Meeting platform. A combination of data analysis techniques was employed to achieve a thorough comprehension of the research findings, including descriptive statistics, quantitative content analysis, thematic analysis, and alignment analysis.
RESULTS
All participating programmes reported the inclusion of DSME in their curricula. A didactic approach was adopted by all programmes. However, only 2 out of 7 programmes offered clinical sessions for their students. Several challenges in implementing DSME within orthodontic programmes were identified, including a shortage of expertise and limited patient access. The participants also suggested that knowledge and resource sharing amongst institutions could serve as a potential solution to enhance the feasibility of DSME.
CONCLUSIONS
This research highlighted the significant disparities and inadequacy of DSME within postgraduate orthodontic programmes in Thailand due to various challenges. Consequently, there is a compelling need to place greater emphasis on DSME and establish a national-level standardisation within orthodontic programmes. This effort is essential for enhancing the awareness and competency of orthodontists in the field of DSME.
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