Principal Investigator: Angela Ritchie, Clinical Assistant Professor, Oral Pathology, Medicine and Radiology, School of Dentistry; Neetha Santosh BDS MS Clinical Assistant Professor Indiana University School of Dentistry Department of Oral Pathology, Medicine and Radiology
Project Title: Enhancing the Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Curriculum by Integrating Technology Facilitated Learning to Improve Student Experience and Practice Readiness
Funding Level: $10000
Abstract: Graduating dentists are well prepared in the diagnosis and management of dental and periodontal related issues but are less prepared in managing oral mucosal conditions. All Indiana University School of Dentistry (IUSD) dental students are required to complete didactic courses in oral pathology, but current oral pathology competency results are extremely poor. A contributing factor to the low scores could be due to a lack of clinical exposure given the rarity of these mucosal conditions.
In the event an abnormal lesion is found, most practicing general dentists are likely to refer the patient to a dental specialist, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, or a clinical oral pathologist. These referrals can lead to potentially detrimental delays in diagnosis and given the paucity of specialists in some rural areas, it may even lead to failure in diagnosis.The goal of this project is to educate the pre-doctoral dental students on diagnosing oral mucosal conditions to prevent delays in diagnosis and management.
The Internet has become an established learning tool in dental education where students can access online images and videos on a range of dental subjects. However, finding reliable peer-reviewed content is not straightforward. To reinforce understanding of diagnosing oral mucosal lesions, including comprehensive head and neck exam and fundamental biopsy technique, we propose to build technology facilitated diagnostic content, delivered through Canvas, that strengthens fundamental and necessary knowledge. Improving student access to oral mucosal lesions through digital images and videos will ultimately help our students improve patient care.