Abstract：
BACKGROUND: Older people represent a growing proportion of the population in most high-income countries. The impact of oral diseases on health and well-being is far-reaching, and future graduates should be able to meet their needs in this phase of life. This research tested the feasibility of involving dental students in direct community engagement to explore older peoples\' oral health concerns and information needs.
METHODS: Seventeen older people were recruited locally to attend workshops with eight dental students in a health and well-being centre. First, older people selected oral health-related topics important to them, raising relevant questions and concerns. Students provided evidence-informed feedback on these selected topics at a subsequent workshop. Participants (students and older people) reflected on their involvement (via questionnaires, discussions and personal reflections). Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. The structure, process and outcome of the study were explored.
RESULTS: Structure: Both students and older people were willing to participate in workshops. Workshops in the community facilitated active engagement between both groups without the constraints of clinics.
METHODS: Students considered pre-workshop preparations adequate but raised issues about their ability to manage \'strong characters\' within discussion groups.
RESULTS: Older people welcomed the initiative. Important topics raised by them were addressed by students giving them advice on maintaining their oral health. Students reported an improved understanding of how older people can be supported and expected a significant impact on future practice.
CONCLUSIONS: Student involvement in direct community engagement was welcomed by all, demonstrating the feasibility and positive impact of the design whilst highlighting issues of importance for older people\'s oral health.
METHODS: Seventeen older people were recruited locally to attend workshops with eight dental students in a health and well-being centre. First, older people selected oral health-related topics important to them, raising relevant questions and concerns. Students provided evidence-informed feedback on these selected topics at a subsequent workshop. Participants (students and older people) reflected on their involvement (via questionnaires, discussions and personal reflections). Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. The structure, process and outcome of the study were explored.
RESULTS: Structure: Both students and older people were willing to participate in workshops. Workshops in the community facilitated active engagement between both groups without the constraints of clinics.
METHODS: Students considered pre-workshop preparations adequate but raised issues about their ability to manage \'strong characters\' within discussion groups.
RESULTS: Older people welcomed the initiative. Important topics raised by them were addressed by students giving them advice on maintaining their oral health. Students reported an improved understanding of how older people can be supported and expected a significant impact on future practice.
CONCLUSIONS: Student involvement in direct community engagement was welcomed by all, demonstrating the feasibility and positive impact of the design whilst highlighting issues of importance for older people\'s oral health.
摘要：
背景：在大多数高收入国家中，老年人占人口的比例越来越高。口腔疾病对健康和福祉的影响是深远的，未来的毕业生应该能够满足他们在这个阶段的生活需求。这项研究测试了让牙科学生直接参与社区探索老年人口腔健康问题和信息需求的可行性。
方法：在当地招募了17名老年人，与8名牙科学生一起在健康和福祉中心参加研讨会。首先,老年人选择了对他们重要的口腔健康相关主题，提出相关问题和关切。学生在随后的研讨会上就这些选定的主题提供了有证据的反馈。参与者(学生和老年人)反映了他们的参与(通过问卷调查，讨论和个人反思)。定性数据采用专题分析法进行分析。结构,探讨了研究的过程和结果。
结果：结构：学生和老年人都愿意参加研讨会。社区的讲习班促进了两组之间的积极参与，而不受诊所的限制。
方法：学生认为研讨会前的准备工作足够，但在讨论小组中提出了有关他们管理“强角色”的能力的问题。
结果：老年人对此表示欢迎。他们提出的重要主题由学生提供有关维护口腔健康的建议。学生报告说，对如何支持老年人有了更好的理解，并期望对未来的实践产生重大影响。
结论：学生参与直接社区参与受到所有人的欢迎，展示设计的可行性和积极影响，同时突出对老年人口腔健康的重要问题。
方法：在当地招募了17名老年人，与8名牙科学生一起在健康和福祉中心参加研讨会。首先,老年人选择了对他们重要的口腔健康相关主题，提出相关问题和关切。学生在随后的研讨会上就这些选定的主题提供了有证据的反馈。参与者(学生和老年人)反映了他们的参与(通过问卷调查，讨论和个人反思)。定性数据采用专题分析法进行分析。结构,探讨了研究的过程和结果。
结果：结构：学生和老年人都愿意参加研讨会。社区的讲习班促进了两组之间的积极参与，而不受诊所的限制。
方法：学生认为研讨会前的准备工作足够，但在讨论小组中提出了有关他们管理“强角色”的能力的问题。
结果：老年人对此表示欢迎。他们提出的重要主题由学生提供有关维护口腔健康的建议。学生报告说，对如何支持老年人有了更好的理解，并期望对未来的实践产生重大影响。
结论：学生参与直接社区参与受到所有人的欢迎，展示设计的可行性和积极影响，同时突出对老年人口腔健康的重要问题。
