Periodontist Tihana Divnic-Resnik:
“iTOP would also help students in other health professions.”

Find out what Dr Tihana Divnic-Resnik, who participated in the first iTOP training in 2006 and introduced iTOP to the Serbian dental community in 2009, thinks about teaching prevention.

How long has the programme been in place at your university? 

The prevention programme was already part of the curriculum, but with the implementation of iTOP, it was elevated to a higher level. We have been teaching iTOP intensively since 2018. 

What experiences have you had so far? 

Students and clinical educators really enjoy all aspects of iTOP training because it is well-structured and provides step-by-step instructions for selecting mechanical plaque control devices and techniques. Most appreciated is the Interproximal Access Probe (IAP), which reduces guesswork and increases student confidence in interdental brush (ID) selection. 

Is it conceivable, even desirable, that other universities join the programme? 

The implementation of iTOP would be beneficial to all Australian universities, especially undergraduate programmes in oral health, therapy and dentistry. I am convinced that some short courses on iTOP would also be beneficial for students in other health professions such as medicine, pharmacy and nursing. 

How do you see student attitudes towards this hands-on approach? 

Dental students are always eager to gain more practical knowledge and skills applicable in various clinical situations. T2T makes them confident in the decision-making process. They appreciate the clinical tips that iTOP training provides. 

It should be noted: students and prospective dental residents need to be trained in oral prophylaxis from the time they enrol in the dental or residency programme until their final year and should take the knowledge back to their practices. In our school, iTOP is taught in both a simulated and clinical setting. Each year, I calibrate my clinical instructors during our regular annual recall and make sure they are ready to perform T2T with students. 

What is your general opinion about the attitude of dentists in your country towards this practical approach? 

Dentists around the world rely on proven values that benefit both their patients and their practices. There have been numerous successful iTOP trainings over the past 15 years. Interest in iTOP continues to grow – which is gratifying. I believe that iTOP will have a greater presence in Australian dental schools as well as dental practices in the future.

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