Development and evaluation of a dental hygiene education program using scenario-based simulation method

Scenario-based simulation education has been increasingly used in health professions to enhance clinical competence. However, its application in dental hygiene education remains limited. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a scenario-based simulation program focusing on oral care for elderly patients with systemic diseases to foster clinical skills. Participants were four fourth-year students and ten graduates from a dental hygiene course who completed a two-day session: the initial session and a follow-up session three months later. During the initial session, participants conducted the first practice, followed by debriefing and a second practice. Clinical skills were evaluated using an original 25-item checklist (maximum score: 47 points). Self-confidence was assessed using a 12-item questionnaire rated on a 10-point Likert scale at four time points: before and after each session. Changes in skills and confidence throughout the program were statistically analyzed. The median (interquartile range: IQR) total score of clinical skills significantly increased from 26.0 (24.0–28.3) at the first practice to 38.5 (35.8–40.3) at the second ( P < 0.001), and was maintained with 35.5 (33.5–38.3) at follow-up practice. The median (IQR) total confidence scores were 49.5 (38.0–58.8) before and 71.5 (64.0–86.8) after the initial session, and 65.0 (54.0–72.3) before and 80.5 (74.3–87.5) after the follow-up session, indicating significant improvements through both sessions ( P < 0.01). Scenario-based simulation education significantly enhanced clinical skills and confidence in oral care for elderly patients with systemic diseases, suggesting its educational value in dental hygiene education.