Bridging the Chairside and Classroom: Enhancing Undergraduate Clinics with Real-time Learning on Dental and Systemic Health

Abstract

Background: Bridging the gap between chairside experiences and classroom learning ensures that students are exposed to real-world challenges, enhancing their clinical competence and understanding of patient-centered care. Incorporating technology, interdisciplinary teaching, and reflective learning further enriches this model, aligning dental education with the evolving demands of healthcare delivery. This background underscores the need for innovative educational strategies that prepare students to address the intricate interplay between dental and systemic health effectively.

Aim: To enhance Undergraduate dental education by incorporating chairside learning in clinical settings focusing on the intersection of dental care and broader systemic health issues by enabling students to gain real-time practical experience with both general and dental practice.

Objective

1. To provide students with hands-on experience in diagnosing, treating, and managing a range of dental conditions, while understanding their potential systemic health implications.
2. To enable students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, helping them understand the interrelation between oral health and systemic diseases.

 Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 200 dental students comprising 55 males and 145 females. The survey included 14 questions. Responses were analyzed based on gender and year of study using chi-square to identify statistically significant differences.