Page 51 - MDJ Volume 47 Number 2 ( Jul-Dec 2024)

Abstracts
careers. Objective: This study aims to systematically define applied the word responsibilities to cover both. Results:
the specific roles of dental academics using the Fuzzy The results indicate significant differences between Health
Delphi Method (FDM). Methods: Engaging 27 experts Educators and Health Educationists. Health Educators
in the first round and 23 in the second, consensus was typically hold clinical bachelor’s degrees, master’s, or
reached on items derived from evidence-based literature PhDs, focusing on the practical implementation of
to define these roles. Analysis yielded 17 accepted items health education from a scientific discipline and direct
representing the four main roles of dental academics. patient education. In contrast, Health Educationists
Each primary role encompassed a diverse range of job often possess advanced degrees (Master’s or Doctoral)
descriptions, precluding a single, definitive description. in Education, usually have no clinical exposure, and
Conclusion: The application of FDM not only refines the primarily come from a social science background. Their
understanding of academic roles but also contributes to contributions are centred around academic teaching,
establishing the identity of dental academics, aiding their research, curriculum development, and policy advocacy.
adaptation to the multiple roles and supporting their Both roles are essential to the field: Health Educators
career advancement. facilitate practical application, while Health Educationists
drive theoretical advancements and policy development.
Keywords: Definition, dental academics, Fuzzy Delphi method,
identity, roles Our findings indicate that to produce more competent
graduates and programs, both roles must work side by
P010 side, as they complement rather than substitute each other.
Differentiating these roles enhances the effectiveness of
Am I A Health Educationist or A Health Educator? health education strategies, ensuring appropriate resource
Unveiling Your Academic Role allocation and training opportunities. Clear definitions
Zahra Naimie , N. A. Ahmad , R. A. Abuzaid 3 in professional settings and policy documents are
1
2
1 Department of Dental Education Enhancement and Development, Faculty recommended to support continued evolution and success
of Dentistry, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Department of in health promotion efforts, ultimately benefiting public
2
Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, health outcomes.
Malaysia, Albayan Model School, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
3
Keywords: Academic responsibilities, health educationist, health
Background: This study explores the distinction between educator, health promotion, public health
“Health Educator” and “Health Educationist” in the
field of health education, emphasizing their unique P011
responsibilities, educational backgrounds, and impacts on
public health outcomes. The interchangeable use of these Oral Lichen Planus an Association with Sjogren
terms underscores the need for clarity in professional Syndrome
identity and workforce development within the discipline.
Objective: The objective is to compare and contrast their R. Suanitta Devi, D. Harvinder Singh
roles, responsibilities, and educational qualifications, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial, Slim River Hospital, Perak, Malaysia
aiming to illustrate how these distinctions influence the Background: Lichen planus is a chronic mucocutaneous
effectiveness of health promotion and education programs. inflammatory disease affecting mucous membranes
Methodology: The methodology involves a literature and/or skin of unknown etiology. Oral lichen planus
review from 2010 to 2024, drawing from peer-reviewed (OLP) presents with a wide spectrum of clinical and
journal articles and academic resources. Selection criteria histopathological manifestations. Sjögren’s syndrome is
prioritize literature discussing roles, responsibilities, a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by marked
educational backgrounds, and competencies specific reduction of exocrine glandular secretions. Patients with
to Health Educators and Health Educationists. Search Sjögren’s syndrome have 30% prevalence of OLP and oral
strategies utilize keywords such as “Health Educator,” lichenoid reaction. Treatment of OLP is aimed primarily
“Health Educationist,” and related terms across academic at reducing the length and severity of symptomatic
databases like PubMed, ERIC, and Google Scholar. In outbreak. Case Report: A 71-year-old female presented at
total 17770 articles were found that consist of the key term Oral and Maxillofacial Department, Slim River Hospital
“Health Educator/ Health Educationist,” however after with complain of burning sensation over entire mouth for
thorough consideration only 20 articles were selected that 3 months. She has underlying hypertension, dyslipidemia
addressed some of the issues such as role, responsibilities, and peptic ulcer. Upon intraoral examination noted patient
and academic qualification. Data collection involves to have dry oral mucosa with erythematous area and
gathering relevant literature, and abstract key themes white striae over bilateral buccal mucosa, erythematous
related to educational backgrounds, and roles, followed area over upper and lower labial mucosa and whitish
by comparative analysis. However, it must be mentioned plaque over left lateral border of tongue and right ventral
that the terms role and responsibilities were used surface of tongue. Incisional biopsy was carried out and
interchangeably in most of the articles. Therefore, this study histopathological examination interpreted as oral lichen

Malaysian Dental Journal ¦ Volume 47 ¦ Issue 2 ¦ July-December 2024 45