Oral Health in Nursing Education: A Nationwide Survey on Teaching Content, Competencies, and Needs in Vocational Schools and Primary Qualifying Nursing Degree Programs in Germany
Oral Health in Nursing Education: A Nationwide Survey on Teaching Content, Competencies, and Needs in Vocational Schools and Primary Qualifying Nursing Degree Programs in Germany
This study aims to assess the current state of oral health education in nursing training programs in Germany. Good oral health is an important component of general health, yet it is often insufficiently addressed in nursing practice and education.
This cross-sectional study uses self-developed standardized online questionnaires to collect data from educational leaders (such as school directors and program coordinators) as well as nursing trainees and students.
The survey examines how oral health topics are integrated into curricula, which content is taught, how teaching is delivered, and how learners assess their own competence and educational needs in this area.
The results of this study will provide a comprehensive overview of current practices and help identify gaps and opportunities to improve oral health education in nursing programs.
This study is a cross-sectional observational survey designed to assess the current state of oral health care education in nursing training programs in Germany.
Oral health is an important component of overall health and is particularly relevant in the care of dependent and vulnerable populations. However, previous research suggests that oral health care may not always be consistently addressed in nursing practice and that there is variability in knowledge and practical competence among nursing staff.
The study aims to systematically evaluate how oral health care content is integrated into vocational nursing training programs and primary qualifying nursing degree programs. In particular, the study examines the extent and structure of curricular integration, the range of topics covered, teaching and assessment methods, and structural conditions such as available resources and interprofessional collaboration.
Data are collected using self-developed standardized online questionnaires administered once to two groups: educational leaders (e.g., school directors and program coordinators) and nursing trainees or students. Educational leaders provide information on institutional and curricular characteristics, while learners provide information on their exposure to oral health education, perceived competence, practical experience, and educational needs.
The study is conducted nationwide across Germany using a non-probability sampling approach. Participation is voluntary and anonymous. No interventions are applied, and no follow-up assessments are conducted.
The results of this study are intended to provide a comprehensive overview of current educational practices and to identify gaps and opportunities for improving oral health care education in nursing training programs.
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
jana.biermann@med.uni-goettingen.de00495513960888