A community of practice in dental education: A phenomenon of newcomers becoming oldtimers

Abstract

Objectives: Community of practice (CoP) members develop cooperative learning history with shared cases, techniques, and concepts. A 2020 study was designed to explore participants' perceptions toward learning in the dental education CoP.

Methods: The Institutional Review Board exempted (AZ #1355) study involved an incidental population of third- and fourth-year dental students (N = 285) and resulted in a 43.5% response rate. The online Community of Practice Assessment Scale, consisted of Likert-style, check box items, and one open-ended question. Survey responses were categorized as Strongly Agree (1), Agree (2), No opinion (3), Disagree (4), and Strongly Disagree (5). Univariate analyses and descriptive statistics were used to analyze study variables (domain, community, and practice).

Results: Overall the learning domain is most strongly perceived by participants with mean scores ranging from 1.59 to 1.61. Responses assessing practices within the CoP had mean scores ranging from 1.72 to 1.90. Similarly, responses assessing the community ranged from 1.65 to 1.81. "Builds Knowledge and Shared Learning" was the characteristic participants most strongly agreed as beneficial with a 1.58 mean score. Participants agree that the CoP "Captures and Stores Tacit and Explicit Knowledge" with a mean score of 1.90. There was a 25.6% response rate to the open-ended question. Two themes evolved: the need for calibration and more shared learning.

Conclusion: Based on study results, participants strongly agreed or agreed in opinions about CoP learning resources (faculty, staff, technology, and other students) benefitting their learning. The CoP provides an optimal environment for preparing competent new dental professionals.

Keywords: dental students; mentors; observational learning; shared learning; social learning.