Necessary Competencies for Oral Health Technicians to Work in Indigenous Communities: A Questionnaire Based Study
Journal Title: Journal of Dental Health and Oral Research - Year 2025, Vol 6, Issue 1
Abstract
Background: Ethical practice requires adapting oral health curricula to recognize spaces as unique social environments in interventions. The objective of this quantitative and qualitative study was to analyze the competencies necessary for oral health technicians to adequately perform their duties in indigenous communities. Methodology: Fifty-nine oral health technicians, interns and graduates, responded to a structured questionnaire containing closed and open questions addressing the skills needed to work in indigenous communities. Sociodemographic profile was predominantly female (94.9%) with 49.2% over the age of 37. The majority (61%) had not yet completed their oral health technician training. Results: The analysis revealed that 78% were not practicing in their profession and 98.3% had never worked in indigenous communities. Regarding work in indigenous communities, 74.6% disagreed that it is equivalent to other contexts. Disciplines considered indispensable were “Oral Health Prevention and Hygiene Techniques” (93.2%), followed by “Dentistry and Public Health” (59.3%) and “Biosafety and Ergonomics” (47.5%). Conclusion: Suggestions included the addition of further courses and emphasized the need for culturally sensitive approach to working in indigenous communities. The study highlighted an need for reforms in the training of oral health technicians to ensure effective and culturally appropriate care in indigenous communities.
Authors and Affiliations
Sergio Rodrigues1, Marcelo Palinkas1,2*, Selma Siéssere1,2, Maria Fernanda Rodrigues dos Santos3, Isabela Hallak Regalo1, Caio Vieira de Barros Arato4, Carla Moreto Santos1, Simone Cecilio Hallak Regalo1,2
Keywords
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- EP ID EP763955
- DOI https://doi.org/10.46889/JDHOR.2025.6110
- Views 14
- Downloads 0
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