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European College of Gerodontology: undergraduate curriculum guidelines in Gerodontology
Author(s) -
Kossioni Anastassia,
Vanobbergen Jacques,
Newton James,
Müller Frauke,
Heath Robin
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
gerodontology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1741-2358
pISSN - 0734-0664
DOI - 10.1111/j.1741-2358.2009.00296.x
Subject(s) - medicine , curriculum , geriatric dentistry , medical education , oral health care , health care , dental education , dental care , oral health , nursing , family medicine , pedagogy , psychology , economics , economic growth
Effective undergraduate teaching of gerodontology to present and future dental students is important if good oral health care of older people is to be assured. A review of the undergraduate curriculum for gerodontology is presented and indicates the need for a knowledge base from which new graduates can develop a special interest in care of older patients. The aim is improved care of older patients, satisfaction for teaching staff involved and improved professional standing for Dentistry. Motivation of students could also be achieved by the positive match between rising patient awareness and ethical responsibility of the profession for those older patients. As it stands, the undergraduate curriculum should include topics on specific care for the elderly and other patient groups, which extend the competences already agreed by the Association for Dental Education in Europe (ADEE). The logistics of teaching these topics will need co‐ordination of those staff with appropriate skill and interest, preferably as a development of existing curriculum content.