Global Citizenship in Clinical Training: A Qualitative Study Evaluating a Co-Creation Approach to Community Oral Health Interventions.

introductionOral health plays a crucial role in overall well-being, impacting general health, psychological health and quality of life. Vulnerable groups often face higher rates of oral health problems, exacerbating inequalities. This study evaluates the effectiveness of student-delivered oral health interventions with these groups using a co-creation approach. MATERIALS AND

methodsA qualitative study was conducted with 19 participants comprising dental students from the Dundee Dental Connect (DDC) project, their supervisors and third sector practitioners/managers working with vulnerable populations in Scotland. Online focus groups were conducted followed by thematic analysis with the assistance of NVivo software.

resultsSeven major themes emerged from the analysis: enhanced student competence and confidence, support structures and training, evolving attitudes towards marginalised groups, community interaction, student engagement, challenges in community engagement and project sustainability. Students reported improved communication skills, confidence and clinical application, with co-creation fostering empathy and emphasizing preventive dentistry. DISCUSSION: The findings highlight the benefits of co-creation in student-delivered oral health interventions and dental education, enhancing student self-efficacy and professional competencies when engaging with underserved populations. Challenges including language barriers were addressed through adaptability and mentorship. The study also underscores the importance of sustainable resource management and broader outreach to tackle health inequalities.

conclusionThe DDC project demonstrates the positive impact of co-creation in dental education, fostering competencies and empathy among students, and preparing them to address oral health disparities in different settings. This approach strengthens community partnerships and equips future professionals with the skills to promote sustainable, equity-driven oral healthcare.