Dental education in Queensland I: the 1-3-1 model

Dental education worldwide is under great pressure. This pressure is being driven not only by changing patterns of oral disease but also by economic factors both inside and outside universities. Technological advances and changing educational philosophies across the board also impact significantly on what we do and how we do it. This article outlines how the School of Dentistry at The University of Queensland is responding to these pressures within the context of local political, educational and economic realities. The so-called 1-3-1 model that has been adopted involves one year of basic science, three years of applied dental science and one year of extramural clinical practice. This model represents a partnership with the Queensland Department of Health and will: Involve dental education and the Dental School in the provision of health care to the community. Place the Dental School in a position to influence the delivery and quality of oral health care in the population and to assume some of the responsibility for it. Provide a wide range of clinical and community experiences for students prior to graduation. Allow the adoption of modern teaching methods such as Problem Based Learning (PBL) in Years II-IV with all the additional benefits e.g. communication skills. Provide an extended clinical period for the acquisition and development of clinical and technical skills prior to graduation. Be cost-effective both to the university and the health service. Allow for outside input without compromising the knowledge and research base. It is recognised that while the 1-3-1 model may meet the demands of a large, decentralised state such as Queensland, it may not be suitable for all institutions. In this context diversity in approach is one of the strengths of dental education, nationally and internationally.