Unravelling the impact of dental workforce training and education programmes on policy evolution: a mixed-method study protocol

Lin et al. Health Research Policy and Systems https://doi.org/10.1186/s12961-023-01048-9 Health Research Policy and Systems (2023) 21:95 Open Access STUDY PROTOCOL Unravelling the impact of dental workforce training and education programmes on policy evolution: a mixed‑method study protocol Galvin Sim Siang Lin1* , Shu Meng Goh2 and Mohd Haikal Muhamad Halil3 Abstract Background The dental workforce plays a crucial role in delivering quality oral healthcare services, requiring continuous training and education to meet evolving professional demands. Understanding the impact of dental workforce training and education programmes on policy evolution is essential for refining existing policies, implementing evidence-based reforms and ensuring the growth of the dental profession. Therefore, this study protocol aims to assess the influence of dental workforce training and education programmes on policy evolution in Malaysia. Methods A mixed-method research design will be employed, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. Stakeholder theory and policy change models will form the theoretical framework of the study. Participants from various stakeholder groups will be recruited using purposive sampling. Data collection will involve surveys and one-on-one semi-structured interviews. Descriptive statistics, inferential analysis and thematic analysis will be used to analyse the data. Integration of quantitative and qualitative data will be used to provide a comprehensive understanding of the data. Discussion This study will shed light on factors influencing policy decisions related to dental education and workforce development in Malaysia. The findings will inform evidence-based decision-making, guide the enhancement of dental education programmes and improve the quality of oral healthcare services. Challenges related to participant recruitment and data collection should be considered, and the study’s unique contribution to the existing body of knowledge in the Malaysian context will be discussed. Keywords Dental services, Education programme, Healthcare reform, Health policy, Stakeholder participation *Correspondence: Galvin Sim Siang Lin 1 Department of Dental Materials, Faculty of Dentistry, Asian Institute of Medicine, Science and Technology (AIMST) University, 08100 Bedong, Kedah, Malaysia 2 Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Universiti Sabah Malaysia, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia 3 Department of Restorative Dentistry, Kulliyyah of Dentistry, International Islamic University Malaysia, 25200 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia Background The dental workforce plays a pivotal role in delivering quality oral healthcare services to individuals and communities [1]. As the field of dentistry continues to evolve, dental professionals must remain well-equipped with the latest knowledge, skills and best practices to meet the ever-changing demands of the profession [2]. Dental workforce training and education programmes serve as vital conduits for equipping dental practitioners with the necessary competencies and fostering their continued professional development [3, 4]. Amidst the dynamic landscape of dentistry, it is essential to understand the impact of dental workforce training and © The Author(s) 2023. Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article’s Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article’s Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated in a credit line to the data. Lin et al. Health Research Policy and Systems (2023) 21:95 education programmes on policy evolution. These programmes not only influence the skills and capabilities of individual practitioners but also contribute to shaping broader policy frameworks that govern dental practice, workforce regulation and patient care standards [5, 6]. In the context of dental workforce training and education programmes, policy evolution refers to the changes and reforms made in the policies that govern the dental profession, dental education and workforce regulation [7]. These policies may cover areas such as curriculum development, licensing and certification requirements, accreditation standards, scope of practice, continuing education requirements and quality assurance mechanisms. Hence, gaining comprehensive insights into the relationship between dental education programmes and policy development is crucial for refining existing policies, implementing evidence-based reforms and ensuring the continued growth and adaptability of the dental profession. Malaysia is a nation with a middle-class income and an increasingly ageing population [8]. Both public and private institutions and agencies are responsible for the oral healthcare system of the country. The dental workforce training and education programmes in Malaysia have undergone significant developments in recent years [9, 10], reflecting the country’s commitment in improving oral healthcare services and addressing the evolving needs of the population. It also contributes to the promotion of oral health and the prevention and treatment of dental diseases in the nation [11]. Dental workforce training and education programmes in Malaysia are primarily conducted in dental schools and institutions of higher learning [12]. These programmes encompass undergraduate education, postgraduate education (coursework based, research based or mixed mode) and continuing professional development initiatives. Undergraduate dental education programs typically span 5 years and provide dental students with a comprehensive foundation in basic sciences, clinical skills and professional ethics [13]. On the other hand, coursework-based postgraduate education programmes offer specialization opportunities in various dental disciplines, allowing dentists to acquire advanced knowledge and skills in specialized areas of practice [14]. The research-based postgraduate programmes allow dental professionals to develop in-depth knowledge and skills in conducting cutting-edge dental research. Furthermore, continuing professional development programmes focus on lifelong (...truncated)