Attitude of dental students in Khartoum State, Sudan toward interprofessional education 2024: A cross-sectional study

Interprofessional education (IPE) enhances collaboration among healthcare professionals, improving patient care outcomes. This study investigates dental students' attitudes toward IPE in Sudan, focusing on its implications for teamwork, patient-centered care, and interprofessional collaboration. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from March to September 2024 with 382 dental students from 3 universities in Khartoum: the University of Khartoum, Neelain University, and Almughtaribeen University. Data were collected using a self-administered online questionnaire assessing attitudes toward IPE, patient care, and collaboration. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package of Social Sciences, version 29 (IBM Corporation). Most students expressed moderate support for IPE. They recognized its benefits for teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Students from the University of Khartoum scored highest. Most participants emphasized the importance of patient-centered care, particularly effective communication and trust. However, 35% of students acknowledged biases toward other professions that could negatively impact healthcare delivery. Cultural competence was also a key concern, with students supporting the need for respect for diverse patient backgrounds. Dental students in Sudan show moderate readiness for IPE. The findings highlight the importance of integrating IPE into dental curricula to improve collaboration and patient care. Institutional support for IPE is crucial to address biases and prepare students for effective team-based practice.