This session explores how a standardized patient nutrition simulation enhances dental hygiene education by bridging the gap between classroom learning and clinical practice. It addresses inconsistencies in nutrition instruction that leave students unprepared for real-world counseling. Participants will engage in case study reviews, role-playing and assessment of a mock student. Participants will observe how this experiential learning activity boosts student confidence, skill in motivational interviewing and evidence-based recommendations. This session will also demonstrate how this approach improves competence in dietary counseling and oral health education. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to strengthen student readiness for professional oral health care delivery.
Learning Objectives:
Integrate motivational interviewing techniques into simulated patient encounters to enhance the quality and effectiveness of dietary counseling.
Assess a mock student’s performance in delivering evidence-based nutrition recommendations using a standardized rubric.
Develop an action plan to integrate standardized patient nutrition simulations into dental hygiene curricula to enhance clinical readiness.
