Comparison of general geriatric dentistry curriculum in Iran with pioneer dental schools

Abstract

Background: Geriatric society needs specific dental treatments, and dental students should receive appropriate training and adequate clinical experiences in this field. The aim of this study was to compare general geriatric dental curriculum in Iran with pioneer dental schools. Materials and Methods: In this comparative descriptive study, 12 of the world’s top dental schools were selected according to shanghai and QS ranking systems, accessibility to the information and geriatric dentistry content in curriculum. Then, the general geriatric dental curriculum in Iran was reviewed and educational content and topics, teaching methods, dedicated training hours (theoretical, practical), type of unit (mandatory, optional), presence of independent unit for geriatrics, evaluation methods in Iran were compared with world's top dental school. The results were reported as numbers (percentages) or average. Qualitative data was analyzed manually by content analysis. Results: Teaching methods and evaluation methods are not defined for geriatric dentistry courses. It is necessary to determine teaching and evaluation methods in dental curriculum of Iran. Some of the common geriatric dentistry topics in pioneer dental schools’ curricula are not covered in dental curriculum of Iran. Dental treatment for geriatric patients and content of practical teaching are limited in dental curriculum of Iran. Conclusion: General geriatric dentistry curriculum of Iran needs to be revised in the field of geriatric dentistry.