The dental nurse played a vital role in helping to manage the patient

Introduction Community-based dental education, or 'outreach', forms a key part of dental courses in some high-income countries. Its educational benefits are well-established and once graduated, participants feel better prepared for their early career. Yet, it is less clear what students actually learn while on placements. Materials and method Qualitative document and thematic analysis of a convenience sample of anonymised dental student reflective journals (n = 51). Results The reflective journals described varied and broadly positive learning experiences. Analysis identified a number of themes of learning. Most related to the process and outcomes of care, but two key themes - dental anxiety and teamworking - were interrelated with both. Within teamworking, dental nurses appeared important in students' learning. Three process interrelated themes of learning were identified in the data. These were: tailoring your approach; communication and time; and evidence-based dentistry and minimising risk. Two broad interrelated themes relating to outcomes for patients and students were also identified: trust and confidence; and professionalism and personal development. Conclusion This research identified important and potentially transformative learning from outreach placements. This included how dental anxiety impacts patients and the dental team, the importance of teamworking, and the role of dental nurses in students' experiential learning.