Date of Conferral

2-9-2026

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Anna Hubbard

Abstract

This Doctor of Nursing Practice project is a staff education initiative designed to evaluate the impact of an educational intervention on primary care staff's knowledge and confidence in recognizing oral health red flags that warrant dental referral. A pre and posttest design was used to assess changes in knowledge and self-reported confidence following the intervention. Oral health is a vital yet often under-addressed component of primary care. Patients with early oral disease usually present in primary care settings. Still, these conditions may go unrecognized due to the limited oral health training among clinic staff. Addressing this gap is critical to nursing practice, as nurses and medical assistants play a key role in patient assessment, education, and care coordination. The practice-focused question guiding this project was: In primary care staff, does an educational intervention on recognizing oral health red flags, compared to baseline knowledge, improve knowledge scores and confidence in identifying when patients need dental referrals? The purpose of the project was to enhance staff competency through structured education, supporting improved integration of oral health into routine primary care. A staff education pre- and post-test design was used. Participants completed a baseline assessment, followed by an educational intervention and a post-test using the same instrument. This project supports nursing practices by strengthening preventive care efforts and promoting health equity. Improved oral health referral practices may reduce disparities for underserved populations who rely on primary care as their primary access point, contributing to positive social change and alignment with diversity, equity, and inclusion principles.

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