Reforms in current dental curriculum, through perceptions of medical educationists in Pakistan: A Qualitative Analysis.

Abstract

Objective: To explore the perceptions of the dental faculty regarding the changes required with regards to subjects, the teaching methodology, assessment and innovative recommendations in Pakistan. Study Design: Qualitative Research Project. Setting: Riphah International University, Rawalpindi. Period: February 2019 till July 2019. Material & Methods: In which 13 dental faculty members with post graduate degrees in Medical/Dental Education in addition to the Dental Specialties were selected via a purposive sampling technique for semi-structured one to one interview. Data was collected from 8 various institutes. The protocol for thematic data analysis was utilized. Explanatory, exploratory and interpretative approaches of content analysis were employed to screen out prominent and relevant concepts and emergent themes. Results: Participants reported that many new subjects need to be incorporated. A uniform curriculum all over the country is required. The content of subjects needs to be aligned to the needs of the community. Need analysis is to be carried out at regulatory body level for what sort of General Dentists are to be produced in the country who can later work in other parts of the world, if they desire. Conclusion: Course content needs to be is aligned with rest of the world and community. Teaching and Learning Strategies should be reevaluated with the present day needs of the curriculum. Curriculum must be patient centered and inculcate the local needs of the community.

Needs analysis for an undergraduate dental curriculum in KPK, Pakistan: Gap identification and general needs assessment

“…The literature and survey suggest a structured curriculum with the involvement of students in curricular reforms. 10 However, the current situation in Pakistan suggests that most dental colleges and universities in Pakistan still follow traditional or subject-based curricula (66%). 2 The program duration in the dental curriculum was identified to be five years.…”

Consideraciones en la Renovación Curricular de la Carrera de Odontología en la Universidad de La Frontera, Chile

“…En relación a la simulación háptica, se puede tomar el ejemplo de Vincent et al (2020), quienes en su estudio sobre la contribución de la simulación háptica al entrenamiento analógico en el área de odontología restaurativa, indican que el trabajo en realidad virtual contribuye de manera positiva a la práctica odontológica, preparando a los estudiantes en un espacio seguro para una futura práctica clínica. En lo respectivo a los avances en pedagogía en salud, es común a diversos territorios del mundo la necesidad de reevaluación de estrategias de enseñanza y aprendizaje, como lo son los ejemplos de Cuba (Enríquez-Clavero et al, 2021) y Pakistán (Sheikh et al, 2022). Ambos estudios diagnostican falencias a nivel didáctico y de contenidos en la formación profesional en salud, y que la revisión sistemática del plan de estudios es esencial.…”