Dentists' comfort in treating underserved populations after participating in community-based clinical experiences as a student.

The purpose of this project was to determine new dentists' comfort levels in treating traditionally underserved populations after participating in two consecutive five-week community-based clinical experiences while in dental school. A written survey was mailed to all known University of Iowa alumni (1992-2002; N=745). Respondents were asked to rank their comfort levels in treating twelve underserved populations on a five-point Likert type scale (5=no problem; 1=will not). Bivariate and logistic regression model analyses were performed to examine associations (p<0.05) among comfort and six predictor variables. Alumni (n=372) were most comfortable treating other ethnic, low-income, non-English-speaking, and HIV+/AIDS populations and least comfortable treating incarcerated and homebound populations. The following variables were significantly associated with comfort: 1) perception that the community experiences had great/much value; 2) practice located in larger communities; 3) non-solo practitioners; and 4) dentist's gender. As more dental schools utilize community-based clinical experiences to increase students' exposure to underserved populations, it is important that these experiences provide exposure to a variety of populations. Additionally, dental schools should continuously monitor the short- and long-term value of these programs for their students and recent graduates.