IngentaConnect Service-Learning and Dental Hygiene: A Literature Review

Authors: Lautar, CJ¹; Miller, FY²

Source: Journal of Dental Hygiene, Number 3, Summer, 1st July 2007 , pp. 64-64(1)

Publisher: American Dental Hygienists' Association

Abstract:

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.

Keywords: service-learning; dental hygiene education; educational methodology; experiential education

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: School of Allied Health, College of Applied Sciences and Arts, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois 2: Charla J. Lautar, RDH, PhD, is an associate professor and the school director; Faith Y. Miller, CDA, RDH, MSEd, is an associate professor. Both are from the School of Allied Health, College of Applied Sciences and Arts, Southern Illinois Universi

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