Work

Evaluating Undergraduate Dental Curricula on Oral Health Care for Autistic Persons in Australia and New Zealand—A Cross-Sectional Study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: Persons diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) require adaptations to dental care that many undergraduate programmes may not explicitly treat. This cross-sectional pilot study assessed the extent of ASD-related content in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) dental and oral health curricula and explored Oral Health Therapy students’ knowledge and self-efficacy. Methods: Online surveys of academic staff across ANZ programmes and Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy students at the University of Newcastle were conducted. Quantitative data was summarised descriptively, and free text responses underwent thematic analysis. Results: Fifteen educator responses (8% of 178 invitees) suggest limited ASD-specific teaching and minimal use of simulation-based education. Among 38 student responses (from one institution), knowledge was generally foundational, but misconceptions persisted and no respondents reported high confidence in providing oral health care for Autistic patients. Interest in further training was high. Conclusions: Within the constraints of low response rates and a single institution student sample, these preliminary findings suggest opportunities to strengthen Autism-related teaching, particularly sensory adaptations, communication strategies, and experiential learning. Inferences should be considered exploratory and hypothesis generating. Limitations: Low educator responses and potential response bias due to limited external validity from a single student cohort.

Source: Dentistry Journal

DOI: 10.3390/dj14040238

Authors: Jayne Jones, Dileep Sharma, Kuang-Yin Chu, Elysa Roberts, Deborah Cockrell

Institutions: University of Newcastle Australia, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, SEGi University

Language: English

Topic: Dental Education, Practice, Research

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Quality education

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,413