374 - Perceptions of Breastfeeding Education among Dental Faculty and Residents

Abstract:

Purpose: The purpose was to determine the current amount of time spent on breastfeeding education in dental residency programs, and the current level of comfort faculty and dental residents have in providing dental treatment to patients that are breastfeeding.

Methods: Identified faculty and dental residents at Texas A&M University School of Dentistry were recruited through directory information and sent a link to a voluntary and anonymous survey via REDCap. Analysis was conducted on deidentified archived educational quality improvement surveys from faculty members and dental residents affiliated with General Dentistry and Pediatric Dentistry.

Results: Nearly 90% of residents reported that there was time specifically devoted in the program to breastfeeding education. Only 25% of residents feel the amount of breastfeeding education in the program is adequate. 75% of residents felt comfortable speaking with patients about breastfeeding with respect to oral health and growth and development.
81% of residents are comfortable treating patients that are breastfeeding. 43% of residents used some form of self-directed learning, personal experience or lectures from didactic teaching to better understand breastfeeding in the context of providing patient care.
All survey faculty respondents viewed the incorporation of breastfeeding education in dental residency education as relevant. However, less than 60% felt as though the current amount of breastfeeding education provided in their program was adequate.

Conclusions: The majority of respondents felt that breastfeeding education was relevant to dental residency education.
The majority of respondents felt breastfeeding education provided in their program was inadequate.