130 - Dental Students’ Experiences Integrating Nutritional Assessment and Counseling in Practice

Abstract:

Purpose: To evaluate dental student’s experiences conducting dietary caries risk assessments, setting goals, and making registered dietitian referrals for Columbia University College of Dental Medicine patients as a course assignment. Findings will inform course improvements.

Methods: Third-year students were recruited to complete an online survey (multiple-choice and open-ended questions) assessing assignment outcomes and experience. Quantitative data and coded qualitative responses were descriptively analyzed. Associations with student characteristics pending analysis.

Results: Of 98 enrolled students, 64 (65.3%) initiated and 28 (28.6%) completed surveys. Patients assessed were mostly female (n = 22; 75.9%) with an average age of 34.31 years (range: 11-68; 24% age 18 or under). Five students referred patients to dietitians; two patients reported high sugary drink and snack consumption. Lack of patient interest (n=17; 55%), time (n=10; 32%), unclear protocol (n=8; 26%), and fear of hurting patient’s feelings (n=7; 23%) were top barriers to completing assignment; 19% (n=6) reported no barriers. Among barriers to dietitian referrals, time (n=9; 36%) and patient motivation (n=8; 32%) were most cited; no students previously placed referrals. Students expressed positive attitudes (n=16; 57.1% agree/strongly agree) regarding future dietitian collaboration. Further analysis pending.

Conclusion: Similar barriers existed in preventing dental students from referring patients to a registered dietitian and from completing a course assignment doing so. Findings are limited by a low response rate (28.6%) and high survey incompletion rate (56.2%). Future studies may aim to evaluate ways to enhance integration of nutritional counseling and dietitian referrals, which may be particularly beneficial.

Identify Supporting Agency and Grant Number: