Dental students’ attitudes and perceptions about intraprofessional collaboration/education

OBJECTIVES: To investigate dental students’ attitudes and perceptions about intraprofessional collaboration/education (IPC/IPE) and shared learning, and to explore the impact of IPC/IPE on the personal and professional development of participating students. METHODS: A custom-designed questionnaire was used in this cross-sectional study. The questionnaire comprised 17 questions targeting to capture the student's perceptions about IPC/IPE using three factors: (1) dental students' preference/opinion about the IPC/IPE; (2) dental students' experience about the impact of IPC/IPE on learning outcomes and professional development; and (3) students' feedback about the significance of IPC/IPE in clinical/clinical simulation labs and workplace setting. The students rated each of the 17 statements on the 5-point Likert scale (range: 1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree). RESULTS: A total of 259 responses were analysed (response rate = 65%). All students were aware of IPC/IPE in the field of dentistry (mean score = 4.22). The students preferred collaborative/shared learning with their own classmates. There was a consensus among students about the positive impact of IPC/IPE on enhanced learning, enhancement of communication skills, and enrichment of professional relationships with supporting staff as well as with the patients. There was also improved analytical and psychomotor skills, understanding of complex problems in the clinic, and understanding of strengths and limitations leading to self-improvement and increased efficiency and productivity. CONCLUSION: IPC/IPE had a compelling, powerful, and positive impact according to the experience of the participating dental students. It is recommended that a standardized curriculum be designed and guidelines set for IPC/IPE at dental institutions for effective interactions among students of all stages.