Integrating oral health curricula into nurse practitioner graduate programs: Results of a US survey

Maria C. Dolce, Judith Haber, Judith A. Savageau, Erin Hartnett, Christine A. Riedy

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background and purpose: Nurse practitioners (NPs) are a significant segment of the US primary care workforce and have a pivotal role in improving access to oral health (OH) care. The purpose of this research was to assess OH curricular integration in primary care NP programs and to examine factors that influence integration and satisfaction with graduates’ level of OH competence. Methods: A cross-sectional, national survey of NP programs (N = 466) was conducted using an electronically distributed 19-item, self-administered questionnaire. Data analysis included univariate, bivariate, multivariate statistics, and logistic regression modeling. Conclusions: The large majority of pediatric, family, and adult–gerontology primary care programs are educating NP graduates about OH. Significant factors promoting integration and satisfaction with graduates’ level of competence included the presence of a faculty champion and routine teaching by a dental professional or nondental OH expert. Implications for practice: With adequate OH education, NPs are ideally positioned to integrate OH and primary care services in practice, thereby, improving access to OH care.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)638-647
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners
Volume30
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - 2018

Keywords

  • Curriculum
  • Oral health
  • Primary care.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Nursing

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