Redesigning a course in conscious sedation for the undergraduate dental curriculum

Abstract

Dental education has changed considerably over the past decade. Students are no longer being trained for a predominantly technical profession, instead they are entering a true branch of medicine. The dental curriculum should prepare undergraduates for their role in dental practice in the new millennium. Good course design is essential in order to ensure that students develop enquiring minds, problem-solving skills and the ability to assimilate new information. This paper aimed to outline the process of redesigning a clinical course in conscious sedation for the undergraduate dental curriculum. The course was redesigned by applying sound general principles of teaching and learning, as well as specific national recommendations for dental education. New aims and objectives were specified, methods of teaching were modified to promote an active approach to learning, and more valid methods of assessment were introduced. The redesigned course aimed to provide students with the opportunity to acquire a deep understanding of the knowledge and skills required in the subject.