Fostering Interprofessional Belonging: Dental hygiene students’ perceptions of a hospital rotation

Abstract

Purpose The integration of interprofessional education within dental hygiene curricula as required by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) standards states that graduates must be prepared to function effectively within collaborative, team-based healthcare environments. The purpose of this study was to evaluate dental hygiene students’ perceptions of an interprofessional hospital rotation, focusing on its perceived value, sense of interprofessional belonging, and acquired knowledge.

Methods A cross-sectional study design was used to assess student perceptions following participation in an interprofessional hospital rotation. The survey instrument consisted of 16 items, including demographic, Likert-scale items and open-ended questions. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, while the open-ended responses were organized thematically to identify key insights regarding the rotation’s impact.

Results Students overwhelmingly reported that the rotation was a valuable experience for both themselves (100%) and patients (100%). A strong sense of belonging was observed, with 93.8% of students feeling they were an integral part of the healthcare team and 81.3% believing their contributions were valued by other providers. Additionally, 100% reported increased awareness of the oral health needs of hospitalized patients, while 81.3% indicated greater understanding of how medical conditions influence oral health. Analysis of the open-ended responses revealed three major themes: recognition of the importance of oral care in hospitalized patients, a desire for improved communication and rotation structure, and overall positive and rewarding experiences.

Conclusion Interprofessional hospital rotations provide significant educational value for dental hygiene students by enhancing their knowledge, fostering a sense of belonging, and increased confidence in providing patient care. These findings support the integration of hospital-based interprofessional experiences into dental hygiene curricula, aligning with CODA standards and preparing students to succeed within collaborative, team-based healthcare environments.