Connecting the Dots: Mapping Reflections to Dental Public Health Competencies Through Thematic and Sentiment Analysis

Objective This study aimed to qualitatively analyze senior dental students’ reflections on community dental practice and map these reflections to the 10 Dental Public Health [DPH] competencies defined by the American Association of Public Health Dentistry. Methods This study included senior dental students at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, who participated in field visits as part of a community dental practice course. Students were instructed to write their reflections post-visit, which were then collected for analysis. In total, 144 reflections were analyzed using thematic and sentiment analyses, employing Python programming language and various libraries for data manipulation and analysis. The identified themes were then mapped onto DPH competencies. Results Thematic analysis revealed key themes at different levels of reflection, focusing on personal experiences, practical fieldwork, and broader perspectives on experiences. The analysis highlighted significant themes such as “pediatric dentistry,” “presentation,” “engagement,” and “passion.” Overall, sentiments were predominantly positive across all levels, with variations in emotional experiences among students. The mapping of these themes to DPH competencies showed a close alignment with several key competencies in dental public health. Conclusion This study provides insights into the educational experiences and emotional responses of dental students during community fieldwork. The alignment of students’ reflections with DPH competencies and the predominantly positive sentiments underscore the effectiveness of field experiences in fostering students’ professional and personal growth in dental public health.