Work

Knowledge, Perspectives, and Interests of Dental Surgery Students Towards Oral Health Policy of Malawi

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: The development of Malawi's first National Oral Health Policy (MNOHP) in 2022 marked a milestone in strengthening the country's oral health system. However, the extent to which future oral health professionals are aware of and prepared to implement this policy remains unclear. This study explored the knowledge, perspectives, and interest of dental surgery students in Malawi regarding the MNOHP, with the aim of identifying educational and policy engagement gaps. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional exploratory survey was conducted among all willing clinical-year dental students enrolled in Malawi's sole Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire developed from validated tools and refined through expert review and piloting. Descriptive analyses summarized participants' demographic characteristics, policy knowledge, exposure, and perspectives on curriculum integration. Ethical approval was obtained from the College of Medicine Research and Ethics Committee (P.11/24-1270). Results: A total of 43 students participated (response rate 95.6%). Most participants were male (60.5%) and enrolled in Year 3 or 4. Awareness of the MNOHP was limited: only 27.9% correctly identified its launch year (2022) and 9.8% knew it had seven priority areas. Although 85.0% had never read the policy and 97.6% reported not being taught about it, all respondents expressed strong interest in learning more and participating in policy development. A majority (88.4%) believed oral health policy education should be compulsory, and over half (51.2%) preferred that it be introduced during the clinical years. Conclusion: Malawian dental students exhibit enthusiasm to engage in oral health policy but lack foundational knowledge of the MNOHP. Integrating structured policy education within the dental curriculum covering the policy's seven priority areas of leadership, prevention, access, workforce, financing, infrastructure, and research could bridge this gap. Building policy literacy among future dentists is essential for effective policy implementation and long-term improvement of oral health outcomes in Malawi.

Source: Advances in Medical Education and Practice

DOI: 10.2147/amep.s552782