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J Dent Educ. 69(4): 419-433 2005
© 2005 American Dental Education Association
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Educational Methodologies

Understanding Dental Students’ Knowledge and Perceptions of Older People: Toward a New Model of Geriatric Dental Education

Jude A. Fabiano, D.D.S.; Deborah P. Waldrop, M.S.W., Ph.D.; Thomas H. Nochajski, Ph.D.; Elaine L. Davis, Ph.D.; Louis J. Goldberg, D.D.S., Ph.D.

Dr. Fabiano is Associate Professor and Director, Advanced Education in General Dentistry Program, Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine; Dr. Waldrop is Assistant Professor, School of Social Work; Dr. Nochajski is Associate Professor, School of Social Work; Dr. Davis is Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Student Affairs, Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences, School of Dental Medicine; and Dr. Goldberg is Professor, Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences, School of Dental Medicine—all at the University at Buffalo. Direct correspondence and requests for reprints to Dr. Jude A. Fabiano, School of Dental Medicine, University at Buffalo, 215 Squire Hall, 3435 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214; 716-829-2862 phone; 716-829-2440 fax; jaf1{at}buffalo.edu.

Key words: geriatric assessment, dentistry for elderly, dental education, educational methodology

Submitted for publication 11/11/04; accepted 02/04/05

Increasing numbers of older people and the decreasing rates of edentulism highlight the importance of dental education that focuses on oral health and aging. This evaluation study assessed dental students’ knowledge and beliefs about older people as well as their awareness of the biopsychosocial concerns that are potential barriers to oral health care. Dental students’ (N=202) knowledge and perceptions of older people were evaluated before and after the first year of a new educational program. Students completed the Palmore Facts on Aging Quiz II (FAQ II) and answered questions about health problems and social concerns that may influence patient care. The intervention was twofold: 1) the CARES (Counseling, Advocacy, Referral, Education, and Service) Program, a clinical collaboration between the schools of Dental Medicine and Social Work, was initiated; and 2) all students were exposed to geriatric educational interventions. FAQ II scores did not significantly change, but dental students’ awareness of mental health, independence, and social concerns increased between Times 1 and 2. The results of the study suggest that positive interactions with older adults by health care providers may depend more on positive perceptions toward older people than increased knowledge about aging. Future research will focus on positive experiences with older adults and attitudes of dental students toward the elderly.






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