Oral Manifestations of Menopause: An Interprofessional Intervention for Dental Hygiene and Physician Assistant Students.

Purpose: Interprofessional education (IPE) is a means of fostering integration and collaboration between health care professions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of an IPE educational module on dental hygiene (DH) and physician assistants (PA) students' knowledge of the oral manifestations of menopause and overall confidence in treating these conditions.Methods: A convenience sample of DH and PA students was used for this mixed-method study. Quantitative data was collected with pre- and post-tests using a modified Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Survey (RIPLS) and a principle investigator (PI)-designed knowledge of menopause test, to determine the students' attitudes and learning levels. Students participated in a one-time workshop that included an educational presentation on the oral manifestations of menopause and a case study exercise using a pseudo-standardized patient. Students from both disciplines, worked in preselected groups to create a patient care plan addressing the oral manifestations of menopause. Qualitative data was collected from student comments.Results: Study results indicate an increase in participants' knowledge of the oral manifestations of menopause (p<0.05). Results also suggest improved attitudes toward interprofessional teamwork and collaboration (p<0.05), positive professional identity (p<0.05), roles and responsibilities (p<0.05) for IPEC core competencies RR1, RR2, RR3, RR4, interprofessional communication (p<0.05) for IPEC core competencies CC3, CC4, CC 6. Qualitative data from interprofessional care plan formulation and debriefing demonstrated facilitation of gained confidence in applying new skills related to the oral manifestations of menopause.Conclusion: Patients experiencing menopause are susceptible to oral manifestations. Implementation of an IPE intervention demonstrated correlation between an IPE experience and participants' knowledge, attitudes and confidence. Preparing students to meet the needs of menopausal women may ultimately decrease oral discomfort and improve overall quality of life.