Salus and Community College of Philadelphia Collaboration: Speech-Language Pathology and Dental Hygiene
Over the course of several weeks in the fall, Salus speech-language pathology (SLP) students observed patient examinations at the Dental Clinic at Community College of Philadelphia (CCP). This interprofessional education (IPE) and interprofessional practice (IPP) collaboration was the first of what both programs hope will become an ongoing partnership.
According to Salus interim SLP program director, Robert Serianni, MS, CCC-SLP, the clinic visits were coordinated with Salus lectures related to the evaluation of the mouth structures. Salus SLP students monitored the intra-oral and extra-oral examinations completed by the second-year CCP dental hygienist students. “These assessments are crucial for our SLP students,” he said. Through the observations at the CCP clinic, Salus students exchanged ideas and shared insights into the evaluations they required to complete during pediatric and adult assessments in the Speech-Language Institute here on campus. The students also gained experience with a variety of structures while the dental hygienist students provided exceptional experiences in the examination and care of the mouth. Serianni noted, “All students – Salus and CCP - felt they had learned from one another and had a deeper understanding of each other’s professions and how those professions relate to the care of the mouth.”
Dentistry assesses and treats disorders of the mouth, which may impact important aspects of a person's communication or swallowing. Having a greater understanding of each profession will better prepare students to work together in practice and make appropriate referrals.
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