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Curricular trends in North America
1Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
International Dental Journal
|December 1, 1988
Summary
Dental school curricula in North America are evolving due to shifts in disease patterns and patient needs. Educational content, delivery, and evaluation methods are being revised to better prepare students without increasing their workload.
Area of Science:
- Dental Education
- Curriculum Development
- Healthcare Professional Training
Background:
- North American dental school curricula are undergoing significant revisions.
- These changes are driven by evolving disease patterns and patient demographics.
- There is a need to enhance educational breadth without overburdening students.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the drivers and nature of current curricular changes in North American dental schools.
- To understand the impact of these changes on educational content, format, and methodology.
- To examine the revision processes for curriculum evaluation and planning.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of current trends in dental education.
- Review of factors influencing curriculum design.
- Examination of pedagogical and evaluative approaches in dental schools.
Main Results:
- Curricula are adapting in content, format, and teaching methodologies.
- Student learning objectives and targets are being redefined.
- Processes for curriculum evaluation and change management are also being re-evaluated.
Conclusions:
- Dental education is dynamically responding to external pressures and internal needs.
- Continuous improvement in curriculum design and evaluation is essential.
- The field is adapting to ensure graduates meet contemporary healthcare demands.