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Published on: February 2, 2020
Development of a Gerodontology course in Athens: a pilot study
1Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece. akossion@dent.uoa.gr
Summary
Athens Dental School developed a new Gerodontology course to address the oral care needs of the elderly due to demographic shifts. The pilot year was successful, with plans for future enhancements to the curriculum and clinical training.
Area of Science:
- Dental Education
- Gerodontology
- Public Health
Background:
- Demographic shifts necessitate increased focus on geriatric oral healthcare in dental education.
- Athens Dental School recognized the need to integrate specialized training for the oral care of older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the creation and implementation of an undergraduate Gerodontology course at Athens Dental School.
- To establish a dedicated curriculum for geriatric dental care within the existing undergraduate program.
Main Methods:
- The Gerodontology course was implemented in the final semester as an elective.
- Teaching involved interdisciplinary staff and included didactic seminars, site visits, and optional clinical practice.
- Student feedback was collected to assess course effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
Main Results:
- The pilot year of the Gerodontology course was met with general satisfaction from students.
- Student evaluations provided insights into the course's strengths and weaknesses.
Conclusions:
- The initial Gerodontology course was successful, providing a foundation for future development.
- Planned improvements include enhanced teaching methodologies, assessment strategies, and increased clinical experience.
