Reaching Consensus on Essential Biomedical Science Learning Objectives in a Dental Curriculum

Area of Science:

• Dental Education
• Biomedical Sciences
• Curriculum Development

Background:

• Dental schools face challenges in integrating essential biomedical science knowledge into Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) programs.
• Over 1,500 existing biomedical science objectives were evaluated for relevance to dental education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reach consensus on essential basic biomedical science objectives for DMD students.
• To apply consensus findings to renew the University of British Columbia Faculty of Dentistry's DMD curriculum.

Main Methods:

• The Delphi Method was employed with panels of faculty and students to rate biomedical science objectives.
• Anonymously rated objectives were reconsidered until 75% consensus was achieved.
• A second expert group refined objectives for the renewed curriculum.

Main Results:

• Consensus on learning objectives increased from 46% after round one to 95% after round three.
• Only 47% of previous objectives were deemed essential ('need to know') for general dentists.
• The process led to a streamlined and integrated DMD curriculum.

Conclusions:

• The Delphi Method effectively facilitated consensus on essential biomedical science content.
• Curriculum renewal based on consensus improved integration and relevance for dental practice.
• The updated DMD curriculum better prepares graduates for future dental practice.