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Simulation and curriculum design: a global survey in dental education
Author(s) -
Perry S,
Burrow MF,
Leung WK,
Bridges SM
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
australian dental journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.701
H-Index - 71
eISSN - 1834-7819
pISSN - 0045-0421
DOI - 10.1111/adj.12522
Subject(s) - curriculum , virtual reality , haptic technology , medical education , curriculum theory , medicine , psychology , curriculum development , engineering , computer science , simulation , pedagogy , human–computer interaction
Abstract Background Curriculum reforms are being driven by globalization and international standardization. Although new information technologies such as dental haptic virtual reality ( VR ) simulation systems have provided potential new possibilities for clinical learning in dental curricula, infusion into curricula requires careful planning. Methods This study aimed to identify current patterns in the role and integration of simulation in dental degree curricula internationally. An original internet survey was distributed by invitation to clinical curriculum leaders in dental schools in Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania (Australia and New Zealand). Results The results (N = 62) showed Asia, Europe and Oceania tended towards integrated curriculum designs with North America having a higher proportion of traditional curricula. North America had limited implementation of haptic VR simulation technology but reported the highest number of scheduled simulation hours. Australia and New Zealand were the most likely regions to incorporate haptic VR simulation technology. Conclusions This survey indicated considerable variation in curriculum structure with regionally‐specific preferences being evident in terms of curriculum structure, teaching philosophies and motivation for incorporation of VR haptic simulation into curricula. This study illustrates the need for an improved evidence base on dental simulations to inform curriculum designs and psychomotor skill learning in dentistry.