Abstract

The mission statement of the School of Dentistry, The University of Queensland, highlights research as a priority. Whilst undergraduate research is encouraged, first and second year students in dentistry and oral health are not exposed to research within their curricula. This study evaluated the effectiveness of embedding a community-integrated research project into the first and second year undergraduate curricula. The project required 96 first year oral health and dentistry students, and 24 second year oral health students to form their own research groups. Each group conducted questionnaire-based interviews to document differences in oral health beliefs and oral hygiene practices among an oral health or health professional group. Findings from each group were presented orally as part of the formal assessment. Data was obtained via a structured student experience questionnaire, student peer evaluations and student assessment marks. Most students rated this project as good (mean overall rating = 4/5) and agreed that the project enhanced their understanding, interest and appreciation of research, enriched student learning and professional development. Summative assessments gave mean student marks greater than 82% and 77% in first and second year cohorts, respectively. This community-integrated research project was effective in engaging students in research, in enhancing their research interest and in developing research and professional skills.