Using e-learning to train dentists in the development of standardised oral health promotion interventions for persons with disability
Résumé
Background: This study aims to evaluate whether an e-learning curriculum was suffi- cient to impart the necessary knowledge to dentists to allow them to implement an oral health promotion intervention in an institution for persons with disability. Materials and methods: Participants were asked to complete a 10-module online training course and to implement a standardised intervention in an institution. The outcome measures were as follows: online tracking of progress; multiple choice ques- tionnaires completed at the end of most modules; self-efficacy questionnaire completed before and after online training; completion of training and calibration in the use of a standardised risk assessment form; initiation and full completion of an oral health pro- motion intervention in an institution; satisfaction of participants with the online train- ing experience; and evaluation of the impact of the intervention by the institution staff. Results: The study sample included 26 dentists. The 10 modules were passed by 24 dentists, and the mean value of the highest overall score recorded in the multiple ques- tionnaires was 88.4% ( 4.0). Twenty participants completed the self-efficacy question- naire before and after training; the mean values of scores after training were statistically different and higher than those at baseline. Questionnaire regarding satis- faction with the online training experience was completed by 22 participants; all of them stated that they were satisfied with the online training experience. Conclusions: The results indicate that the online training course helped participants to increase self-efficacy and to provide interventions in institutions. This study could have implications for both undergraduate and postgraduate dental education in France