Comparison of general dentistry curriculum about patients with special needs in Iran with world’s top dental schools

Abstract

Background: Dentists' knowledge and awareness in the field of treatment and health promotion of disabled patients and patients with special needs is weak and does not meet the changing needs of society. The aim of this study was to compare the general dental curriculum of Iran in the field of patients with special needs with the curriculum of top ranked colleges in the world.

Materials and Methods: This descriptive-comparative study was conducted in three stages: 1- Search and find the world's top 50 dental schools. 2- Accessing their curriculum using the site of the relevant faculty. 3- Reviewing and comparing the general doctoral curriculum in the field of patients with special needs. In the first stage, in order to select the desired dental schools, sources and sites related to the ranking of dental schools Shanghai and QS were searched and reviewed, and the top schools were identified. In the second stage, by searching the websites of the relevant faculties or sending emails to them, access to their curriculum was found. In the third stage, among the available curricula, general information on the topics of patients with special needs was examined and compared.

Results: In the present study, Iran's educational curriculum has been compared with 12 top universities in the world and it was observed that in Iran, a wide range of patients with physical and mental problems in the group of patients with special needs receive dental services. The need to present independent courses in the field of patients with special needs, determining teaching hours and teaching and evaluation methods of the independent courses is quite necessary. The topics and the educational content are similar to the global systems. The type of treatment and treatment officials in educational centers are desirable.

Conclusion: The educational curriculum for patients with special needs in Iran needs to be revised.