Early analysis suggests that there is trend towards female graduates rating the program slightly higher on a number of questions than their male counterparts. In comparing rural to urban Colorado practitioners, trends do not emerge. Results indicate that the overwhelming majority of practicing dentist respondents report that participation in extensive, community-based clinical experiences while in dental school, have had a favorable impact on them. The second portion of the project is in progress, and continues be dedicated to assessing how the program impacts students before and during the program. The first level review of student anecdotal perceptions of ACTS experiences while in the program was completed via student interviews.
Results reveal that the students value the experiences and skills gained on the various rotations.
A statistical analysis of student survey data is nearing completion. The last constituency considered was the preceptors in the ACTS program. Initiative was recently completed that examined all preceptors participating in University of Colorado Health Sciences Center programs. Data obtained from this effort, along with other survey results and preceptor focus group reports, will be analyzed to determine how the ACTS service learning program impacts dental preceptors and their perceptions of its value. The information obtained as a result of the project provided valuable insight into the way that graduates of the School view the overall impact of the service learning on them and its educational value.