Reflective Learning in Community Based Dental Education at the University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Dentistry

Introduction: Community Based Dental Education (CBDE) has been an integral part of the University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Dentistry’s (UIC COD) fourth year (D4) curriculum for the past 10 years. The purpose of these rotations is to increase students’ knowledge and sensitivity to the oral health needs of the underserved in the state of Illinois and elsewhere, and to acquaint students with the social, cultural, community, economic, health service system and political issues involved in meeting those needs. These community-based rotations can represent up to half of D4 students’ clinical experiences.  Students gain new insights and value from CBDE when they are guided through a reflective process.

Methods: In the 2014-2015 academic year, the D4 students’ assignments consisted of: photographic documentations in the form of photo voice, written narrative in the form of reflective essays, and post -experiential discussion in the form of reflective seminars, which were examined to study the impact of the rotation on the students’ knowledge and attitude in treating underserved populations.

Results: A qualitative review of the reflective learning assignments showed that the CBDE experiences had a profound impact on the students’ values, attitudes, knowledge and even stereotypes as related to treating the underserved population. The reflective learning is able to assist the students in articulating, understanding, and translating this new knowledge into better provision of care.

Conclusion: Reflective Learning allows for real opportunities for the students to reflect on one’s attitudes, emotions, values and actions, which can translate to better patient care.