Tackling antimicrobial resistance in practice: dental students’ evaluation of university teaching supplemented by an online course

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents a global threat to public health. Engaging all healthcare professionals including undergraduates in efforts to tackle AMR is vital. Sharing and spreading good practice in teaching on AMR and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is a key ambition in Scotland. In 2020, the University of Glasgow Dental School supplemented teaching with mandatory completion by final year undergraduates of an online education programme on the essential role of dental teams in reducing AMR. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate final year dental students’ knowledge and experience of utilizing an online international educational, interactive resource to supplement university teaching: Tackling Antibiotic Resistance: What Should Dental Teams Do? METHODS: Cross-sectional qualitative evaluation using a self-administered questionnaire with open questions about course content, learning and personal action planning. Data were thematically analysed using NVivo12 Pro software. RESULTS: A total of 88 students completed a questionnaire, which indicated online training had increased their understanding of AMR and AMS from a global perspective and confirmed these topics were an integral part of their undergraduate education programme. Their action plans demonstrated enthusiasm for creating an AMS culture in clinical practice and an understanding of the need for ongoing education of themselves, their colleagues and patients. CONCLUSIONS: Education delivery using a variety of media to support teaching and learning in Glasgow Dental School was effective in ensuring that students understand their role in tackling AMR. Students were positive about the addition of an online education programme to supplement university teaching. This approach may be beneficial for other undergraduate dentistry programmes.