Publication: Current And Future Trends in the Teaching of Removable Partial Dentures in Dental Schools in Malaysia: A Cross Sectional Study
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Date
2022
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier
Abstract
Aims: To investigate, using a validated questionnaire, the teaching of removable partial dentures (RPDs) in dental schools of Malaysia.
Materials and methods: A validated questionnaire to investigating trends in the teaching of RPDs in dental schools in Oceania was emailed (in English version form) to Heads of Restorative/Prosthodontics/course coordinators in the 13 dental schools in Malaysia. Follow-up reminders were sent and participants were given six weeks to complete and return the questionnaire. Data was entered into an Excel spreadsheet and results compiled and analyzed.
Results: Completed questionnaires were received from 13 dental school – a 100% response rate. All schools (n =13) provided a preclinical technical course in RPD design. In most schools (n = 9, 69.2%), course work was supervised by senior lecturers while rest of the institutions made use of associate professor/professors. There were significant differences (p<0.05) between dental schools in terms of the contact hours dedicated to pre-clinical teaching. Students received an average of 62 h of instruction. Didactic instruction was the primary focus with practical (78 h) and didactic teaching (32 h). All dental schools (n = 13) provided practical surveyor design teaching (8 h). The staff student ratio for formal lectures (1:61), tutorials (1:29) and lab demonstrations (1:12) were recorded. Majority of the schools (n = 11, 84.6%) employed paired teaching in clinical sessions. All schools (n = 13, 100%) emphasized on increased teaching of RPD design and prescription writing in future clinical RPD courses.
Conclusion: Teaching of RPDs in Malaysia may be considered sufficient and comparable to the teaching in other parts of the world.
Clinical significance: Whilst the teaching of partial dentures at Dental Schools in Malaysia provides the core competencies involved in partial denture design and construction based on sound fundamental, scientific prin-ciples they should address the challenges of teaching partial dentures and other areas of dental education including improving working conditions for dental professionals.
Description
Volume 124
Keywords
Teaching;Removable;Partial dentures;Dental school;Curriculum;Recommendations; Acrylic; Metals