Antimicrobial resistance and stewardship in a dental curriculum in South Africa: a single-site curriculum mapping study

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) currently poses a significant public health crisis. Shortcomings in the knowledge and awareness of AMR and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) among dental practitioners and undergraduate dental students have been widely reported, highlighting the need for comprehensive education and training programs to address AMR and AMS in curricula. Curriculum mapping is a valuable tool in healthcare education, allowing for the alignment of content with competencies, identifying gaps, and establishing best practices. Objectives: Mapping an undergraduate dental curriculum at a dental school in South Africa against the AMR and AMS core competencies as outlined by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and World Health Organization (WHO). Methods: Undergraduate courses (n = 47) within the dental program were included. The outcomes were mapped against the HPCSA core competencies for dental graduates and the WHO curricula guide for health workers’ education and training on AMR. Results: Specified core competencies as described by the HPCSA and WHO as they relate to AMR and AMS were present in two third-year courses and two fourth-year courses of the undergraduate dentistry program. Conclusions: The curriculum mapping exercise highlighted the limited integration of AMR and AMS competencies in the undergraduate dental curriculum. Although the core competencies as outlined by the HPCSA and WHO on AMR and AMS have been addressed, it is present in the third and fourth years of the undergraduate program. This highlights the need for enhanced education on these competencies, to equip graduates for antimicrobial stewardship.