Clinical simulation and foundation skills: an integrated multidisciplinary approach to teaching

Faced with the challenge of restructuring a preclinical curriculum to provide a stronger background in general dentistry, a clinical simulation program that emphasizes critical thinking in clinical decision-making was developed and implemented at New York University College of Dentistry. The program offers an integrated program in clinical sciences focused on the faculty-defined outcomes for a general dentist. The curriculum was developed using outcomes that must be met before full patient care privileges are extended. The curriculum is centered around a series of patients with differing profiles of risk, disease, and treatment needs. Students are required to think globally, collect data that leads to an accurate assessment of the patient's risk, plan prevention and health promotion, and define a treatment plan. The student then demonstrates proficiency in executing treatment, evaluates the results, and speculates about the long-term impact of the treatment provided. Student and faculty evaluations are discussed as well as the strengths and shortcomings of the curriculum.