Current arrangements for training dentists in Australia on primary care dentistry

Abstract

There is an expectation in Australia that dental students engage in primary care as they learn to recognise and respond to aspects of a person's general health and wellbeing. These skills, knowledge and behaviours are outlined by the Australian Dental Council, the accrediting body of dental training programs. Education in primary care dentistry can be seen integrated across the length and breadth of dental curricula yet is not commonly referred to as primary care. Interprofessional education provides opportunities for dental students to develop their professional identities as primary healthcare practitioners and be seen as such by other health professions. We propose that the primary care dentistry could be elevated by naming and noticing these activities in the curriculum.

Keywords: Dental education; Interprofessional education; Primary care; Primary care dentistry.