Assessing outcomes of curricular change: a view from program graduates

Graduates of dental programs constitute a stakeholder group that is able to provide unique information concerning the effectiveness of the dental curriculum in preparing them for dental careers. Following the implementation of planned curricular changes, graduates of the former and the new curricula were surveyed. Results indicate that, while both groups perceive themselves to have been adequately prepared by their D.D.S. program for practice, graduates of the new curriculum indicated a higher level of preparedness in several areas, especially regarding selecting, prescribing and administering pharmacotherapeutic agents. In addition, the results suggest that the change in the first two years from an emphasis on basic sciences and preclinical laboratory work to an early introduction to live dental patients and the integration of foundation sciences and clinical courses were endorsed. The evidence gathered from this alumni survey indicates that the reforms implemented in the dental curriculum were appropriate. Areas requiring further investigation are also discussed.