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Recent graduate opinion on orthodontic training
British Journal of Orthodontics
|April 1, 1982
Summary
Recent dental graduates found the undergraduate orthodontic curriculum too short and lacking complex therapy focus. Enhanced training with diverse cases in small groups could improve diagnostic skills.
Area of Science:
- Dental Education
- Orthodontic Training
- Graduate Medical Education
Background:
- Assessing the effectiveness of undergraduate orthodontic curricula is crucial for modern dental practice.
- Understanding recent graduate perspectives provides valuable feedback for curriculum enhancement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate recent dental graduates' opinions on the undergraduate orthodontic curriculum.
- To identify areas for improvement in orthodontic education.
Main Methods:
- Postal questionnaires were distributed to dental graduates qualified since 1968 from three UK dental schools.
- Data from graduates were analyzed for agreement and compared with available government figures.
Main Results:
- Graduate samples showed strong agreement on most data points.
- General Dental Practitioners manage a decreasing number of orthodontic cases.
- Undergraduate courses were perceived as too brief, with insufficient emphasis on complex orthodontic treatments.
Conclusions:
- The undergraduate orthodontic curriculum requires revision to better prepare graduates for complex cases.
- Increased chairside, small-group teaching with diverse case exposure may enhance diagnostic skills, potentially at the cost of individual case volume.