PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - CJ Lautar AU - FY Miller TI - Service-Learning and Dental Hygiene: A Literature Review DP - 2007 Jul 01 TA - American Dental Hygienists Association PG - 64--64 VI - 81 IP - 3 4099 - http://jdh.adha.org/content/81/3/64.short 4100 - http://jdh.adha.org/content/81/3/64.full SO - J Dent Hyg2007 Jul 01; 81 AB - Dental hygienists should be aware of the concept of service-learning and how it can enhance dental hygiene education. A look at national documents and other relevant historical literature will be reviewed, in addition to more recent books and articles to define service-learning. Although perceived as a new teaching strategy, service-learning has its roots in experiential education. Several definitions of service-learning have emerged, which take into consideration the reciprocal needs of the student and community, bridging academic theory with community service, and instilling civic responsibility through a reflective component. Considering the advantages and disadvantages, service-learning seems to be a good methodology for dental hygiene education. Recommendations include the expansion of the ADA Accreditation Standards to include service-learning, and incorporation of an operational definition of community-based oral health programs, as well as the term service-learning in its Definition of Terms.