Exploring the Effects of Training Camp on Standard Orthodontic Education

Considerable disparities exist in orthodontic education, highlighting the need for harmonized educational standards that ensure graduates are adequately prepared. This study aimed to explore a standard teaching approach for students from diverse dental institutions to improve their orthodontic expertise.

An orthodontics training camp, involving six dental colleges in Zhejiang Province, was organized. The training camp provided an intensive and interactive 3-day curriculum for the final year undergraduates and postgraduates, comprising lectures, hands-on sessions, laboratory internships, and seminars. An online questionnaire survey was conducted to explore the perceptions and satisfaction of the participants. Effectiveness of the training camp was assessed in terms of academic performance through online tests before and after completing the training camp.

A total of 93 students registered for the camp, supported by 17 distinguished teachers who were invited to serve as lecturers and trainers. In total, 62 completed questionnaires and answer sheets for online examinations were collected, resulting in a 66.67% response rate. The questionnaire survey highlighted high levels of satisfaction among students in relation to the teaching presence of lecturers, motivation, interactions in courses, and curriculum design. The courses yielded good overall learning outcomes as assessed by summative examination results.

The training camp provided a harmonized educational experience and successfully promoted educational advancement for students from various academic institutions.