The Graduating European Dentist: A New Undergraduate Curriculum Framework

Area of Science:

• Dental Education
• Academic Standards
• Healthcare Professional Training

Background:

• Current European undergraduate dental education requires updated academic practices.
• Existing curricula need enhanced focus on patient safety, teamwork, and patient-centered care.
• There is a need for improved guidance on teaching excellence, student support, and assessment methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present "The Graduating European Dentist", a new framework for European undergraduate dental education.
• To highlight key curriculum components including patient safety, teamwork, and patient-centered care.
• To provide updated guidance on teaching, learning, and assessment methodologies.

Main Methods:

• Development of a new suite of documents by the Association for Dental Education in Europe (ADEE).
• Incorporation of best academic practices for undergraduate dental programs.
• Emphasis on crucial areas such as patient safety, teamwork, and patient-centered care.

Main Results:

• Increased focus on essential curriculum components like patient safety, teamwork, and patient-centered care.
• Greater emphasis on teaching excellence, student satisfaction, preparedness, and support.
• Provision of guidance on effective teaching, learning, and assessment (educational measurement) methods.

Conclusions:

• "The Graduating European Dentist" offers a modernized approach to European undergraduate dental education.
• The new framework is expected to enhance accessibility and utility for educators and institutions.
• This initiative aims to elevate the standards of dental education and graduate preparedness across Europe.