Student and Faculty Satisfaction with Their Dental Curriculum in a Dental College in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

e existing dental curriculum is taught at the College of Dentistry since 2002. e aim of this research is to explore the satisfaction levels of faculty members and students with that curriculum. is information will justify a curriculum reformation plan that addresses the aspirations of both faculty members and students. In this cross-sectional study, a two-section survey was prepared. Section 1 investigated the level of satisfaction with the curriculum, and Section 2 sought reasons why participants were satisfied with the curriculum. e questionnaire was electronically mailed to faculty members, interns, and senior students. Data were analyzed to identify patterns and points of disagreement expressed by faculty and students. e overall response rate was 68.7%. e mean standard deviation (SD) score in the study sample from all respondents was 5.0 (+3.0). Faculty significantly registered higher satisfaction than students (mean (SD) = 5.9 (+2.9) and 4.1 (+2.8), P � 0.002). Results of multivariate analysis showed that faculty members were more satisfied with the curriculum than students because they thought the curriculum prepared competent graduates (regression coefficient = 1.76 and 0.69). Teaching staff and students' satisfaction levels with the curriculum were significantly associated with their perception that the curriculum produces competent graduates. Areas with low students' satisfaction levels were related to promotion of engagement with others and development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. ese areas should be the focus of future curriculum reformation to prepare competitive graduates with competences aligned with the recommendations of the Saudi Arabia Qualification Framework and of the international benchmarks.

Evaluation of temporomandibular disorders among dental students of Saudi Arabia using Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD): a cross-sectional study

“…Previous studies have also pointed out the higher prevalence of TMD in university students, especially medical and dental undergraduates [ 19 , 20 , 24 , 25 ]. As we can appreciate the complexity of the dental curriculum, it’s demanding nature and challenging structure, the amount of stress, anxiety, and distress are bound to increase [ 26 , 27 ]. Hence, it will be also important to evaluate the academic related parameters such as grade point average (GPA) and academic level influencing the TMD prevalence.…”

Evaluation of Temporomandibular Disorders Among Dental Students of Saudi Arabia Using Diagnostic Criteria/temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) and Its Association With Biographic, Academic, and Psychosocial Parameters – A Cross-sectional Study

“…Hence, they can relate well to the symptoms and signs of TMD and so, thus responded to the questionnaire and clinical examination in a more responsible and informed manner. Inherent challenges, demanding patient care and apprehension about the carer are some of the concerns which can be attributed to the students in the clinical levels [19][20][21].…”

“…Our observations restate the signi cance of the psychosocial component in the development of TMD. Student population generally seen to have higher anxiety levels compared to the adult population, as they remain in constantly challenging environment [20]. Additionally, previous studies have shown dental students to have higher level of stress and anxiety [41].…”

“…Previous studies have also pointed out the higher prevalence of TMD in university students, especially medical and dental undergraduates [13,14,18,19]. As we can see the complexity of the dental curriculum, it's demanding nature and challenging structure, the amount of stress, anxiety, and distress are bound to increase [20,21]. Hence, it will be important to evaluate the academic related parameters such as grade point average (GPA) and academic level in uencing the TMD prevalence.…”

Assessing dental students' professional training satisfaction with operative dentistry teaching and curriculum: A study in Saudi Arabia.

“…23 A study conducted in a dental college in Saudi Arabia in 2020 concluded that the teaching staff and students' satisfaction levels with the curriculum were signi cantly associated with their perception that the curriculum produces competent graduates. 24 Many studies have reported on the students' opinion, assessment, perception, and satisfaction of dental education in general and in subjects such as oral surgery, periodontics, and prosthodontics. 25,26,27,28 No study has been reported on the satisfaction of operative dentistry teaching and curriculum in particular.…”