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Preclinical removable partial dentures curriculum survey.
Behnoush Rashedi1, Vicki C Petropoulos
1Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6003, USA. brashedi@pobox.upenn.edu
Summary
Preclinical removable partial denture (RPD) education varies across U.S. dental schools, with most agreeing on core topics but few integrating new technologies. This survey reveals current teaching practices and identifies areas for curriculum enhancement.
Area of Science:
- Dental Education
- Prosthodontics
- Curriculum Development
Background:
- Preclinical removable partial denture (RPD) education is a cornerstone of dental training.
- Understanding current RPD curricula is essential for identifying best practices and areas for improvement.
- Educational techniques and materials in RPD courses have evolved, necessitating updated surveys.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey U.S. dental schools regarding preclinical RPD course structure, teaching philosophies, and techniques.
- To identify newer educational techniques and materials currently employed in U.S. dental schools for RPD education.
Main Methods:
- A survey questionnaire was distributed to 54 U.S. dental schools.
- The survey targeted chairpersons of prosthodontic/restorative departments.
- A response rate of 80% (43 schools) was achieved, with data analyzed for means, medians, and ranges.
Main Results:
- The mean student-to-faculty ratio was 12:1, with a mean of 55 laboratory hours and 21 lecture hours.
- Most schools (95%) utilize prosthodontists for teaching, and 100% teach surveyor use in RPD design.
- Only 19% of dental schools incorporate emerging technologies like the internet into their preclinical RPD curriculum.
Conclusions:
- Significant variation exists in preclinical RPD educational programs among U.S. dental schools.
- Despite variations, consensus is found on specific core topics within RPD curricula.
- There is a low adoption rate of new technologies in preclinical RPD education, indicating a need for modernization.