FAQ - What are the major influences for change in the undergraduate dental curriculum?

Answer

International

EU:

Bologna Declaration on convergence of Higher Education (single cycle, masters degree)

Changing demographics of dental disease:

• decrease in dental caries
• periodontitis at lower level than predicted (15-20% of population)
• increase in aging population
• increase in medically compromised dental patients

Biosciences:

• post genomic and proteomic era
• advances in materials
• dentists of the future will need to be able to understand (and critically evaluate) the advances these developments will bring.

Educational trends:

• increase in problem and case based learning
• student centred learning
• evidence based dentistry
• move towards the oral heath physician of the future

National (UK)

Benchmarking:

quality assurance; masters level degree

GDC:

• review of The First Five Years (outcomes for the dental curriculum)
• life long learning / continuing professional development
• re-certification / re-accreditation

NHS:

• NHS ‘university’ (NHSu)
• NHS plan
• Options for change
• Vocational training (VT)
• General professional training (GPT)

Educational trends:

• increased team working and interdisciplinary education
• Move towards PCDs undertaking 3 year bachelor degree
• Increase in out reach clinical teaching

Local

pressure for increased quality research output:

Need to increase research output - publications, funding and postgraduate students

GDC/University changes in CPD:

Affects staff and importance of endearing the philosophy of CPD in the new graduate

Staffing pressures:

• progressive reduction in staff numbers
• new staff being recruited on research quality rather than teaching ability
• NHS Clinical pressures to reduce patient waiting time and improve quality of care
• increase demand on staff to provide postgraduate education courses

Opportunities created by change

Degree/title:

Masters degree for graduating dental student – aligns with EU and benchmarking. Bachelor degree for PCD’s; Diploma for dental nursing e.g. Master/Bachelor of oral health sciences (possibly fully classified)

The title would reflect the new role of future dentists, away from the ‘oral technician’, and align with the vision of the school of dental sciences’ title

The use of a Bachelor of dental sciences would allow an ‘exit with honour’ for those students who drop out

Potential to incorporate research/dissertation (replacing electives) into the course to encourage critical thinking

Possibility for exceptional students to undertake Bachelor of dental sciences, move to ‘integrated’ PhD program and then return for completion of clinical training

GDP tutors:

• a new entity not a continuation of the current visiting GDP
• employed/honorary contract by/with the university
• to be appointed they should have evidence of commitment to CPD, training and education e.g.MGDS, VT trainer/ Certificate in postgraduate education/ Membership of ILT
• undertake induction course for clinical teaching and regular education updates
• the appointment to be seen as a privileged status within dental community
• inclusion as part of school staff

courses:

• Revised dental course to encourage critically thinking graduates. To reflect aims of FFY, etc, include a dissertation/research element and inclusion of biosciences throughout the curriculum.
• PCD degree course (hygienist, ortho auxiliary, technician, clinical dental technician etc)
• Dental nursing to become 2 year university diploma course

Both above offer opportunities in increased funding (and hence staff), funding could come from NHS initiative monies and workforce confederations. Also offers the opportunity for career progression for PCD staff. In addition the possibility for integrated teaching with dental undergraduates as appropriate would improve the educational experience for all undergraduates.

Author: This FAQ was written by Dr Ross Hobson and does not reflect an offical endorsement by the LTSN or any other organisation. Any questions or comments can be sent to:ross@ltsn-01.ac.uk

Last updated: 01 July 2011