Service-learning and dental hygiene: a literature review.
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.
Lautar
C J
CJ
School of Allied Health, College of Applied Sciences and Arts, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, USA. cjlautar@siu.edu
Miller
F Y
FY
D003149:Community Dentistry / Q000193:education*; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D003479:Curriculum; D006801:Humans; D009910:Oral Hygiene / Q000193:education*; D018794:Problem-Based Learning; D009626:Terminology as Topic