Curriculum structure and the European Credit Transfer System for European dental schools: Part I

Abstract

This paper presents a proposed curriculum structure and system of European Credit Transfer (ECTS) for undergraduate dental schools throughout Europe. It is the result of the work of a Taskforce ('Taskforce II'), appointed by DentEd, a thematic network of European dental schools and the Association for Dental Education in Europe (ADEE). There has been pan-European discussion of the document in draft stages (it was distributed to 200 dental schools) and following amendment, it was agreed formally at the National Assembly of ADEE in Athens, Greece, in September 2005. The main elements of the paper relate to: (i) a description of the framework proposed with relevance to the Bologna recommendations and common directive on recognition for professional qualifications as they apply to Dentistry; (ii) the structure of an undergraduate dental curriculum; (iii) student exchange and ECTS. In addition, the paper presents a series of requirements, guidelines and recommendations for action. ADEE expects that the 'requirements' proposed will be followed by dental schools in Europe, whilst the 'guidelines' and 'recommendations' also provided are open to local interpretation. The paper is also published on the ADEE website.

A review of continuing professional development for dentists in Europe*

“…That review of undergraduate education has been undertaken by the DentEd programme (99)(100)(101). Following that, the DentCPD project has focused on CPD and this review is part of that project.…”

Dental students’ perceptions of practice management and their career aspirations

“…Its importance in an undergraduate curriculum has been acknowledged. [11][12][13] The development of management skills is therefore becoming crucial for dentists to manage their practices successfully. [14][15][16] These skills are often neglected in undergraduate curricula despite tendencies that students recognise them as crucial.…”

GDC visitations – on their way out?

“…The document Profi les and competencies for European dentists has been published 4 and a paper on the use of the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) allowing potential movement between universities has also been made available. 5 In the light of these changes, is the GDC visitation still of value? Or will it become an extra tier of quality control that will already be undertaken by university institutional audit or the involvement of European legislation?…”