Final year oral hygiene students’ perceptions and reflections on experiential learning in a special needs oral health care program

The experiential learning opportunity in the school-based special needs oral health care program was invaluable to the children as well as the students. This community -based program supported personal and academic growth and it provided authentic learning opportunities; facilitated professional development, improved clinical skills and competence, enhanced problem solving and communication skills and raised awareness on social responsibility. Challenges experienced pertained to cooperation and communication with the children. Suggestions included maintaining access to care for the children through oral care program initiatives, as well as ongoing rotation of Oral Hygiene students who are ideally positioned to provide promotive and preventive oral care to special needs individuals. Schools for special needs children provide an ideal platform to facilitate access to care and to provide experiential learning opportunities in authentic settings.