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Integrating Critical Thinking and Evidence–Based Dentistry Across a Four–Year Dental Curriculum: A Model for Independent Learning
Author(s) -
Marshall Teresa A.,
StraubMorarend Cheryl L.,
Handoo Nidhi,
Solow Catherine M.,
CunninghamFord Marsha A.,
Finkelstein Michael W.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of dental education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.53
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1930-7837
pISSN - 0022-0337
DOI - 10.1002/j.0022-0337.2014.78.3.tb05686.x
Subject(s) - curriculum , critical thinking , process (computing) , medical education , higher order thinking , evidence based dentistry , curriculum development , psychology , critical thought , dental education , mathematics education , engineering ethics , pedagogy , medicine , teaching method , computer science , engineering , alternative medicine , cognitively guided instruction , philosophy , epistemology , pathology , operating system
Introducing critical thinking and evidence–based dentistry (EBD) content into an established dental curriculum can be a difficult and challenging process. Over the past three years, the University of Iowa College of Dentistry has developed and implemented a progressive four–year integrated critical thinking and EBD curriculum. The objective of this article is to describe the development and implementation process to make it available as a model for other dental schools contemplating introduction of critical thinking and EBD into their curricula. The newly designed curriculum built upon an existing problem–based learning foundation, which introduces critical thinking and the scientific literature in the D1 year, in order to expose students to the rationale and resources for practicing EBD in the D2 and D3 years and provide opportunities to practice critical thinking and apply the EBD five–step process in the D2, D3, and D4 years. All curricular content is online, and D3 and D4 EBD activities are integrated within existing clinical responsibilities. The curricular content, student resources, and student activities are described.