Comparition of general dentistry curriculum about forensic dentistry in Iran with world`s top dental schools and effect of education on knowledge, attitude and practice of dental students about forensic dentistry in Dental School of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences

Abstract

Background and aim: The aim of this study was to compare the educational curriculum of Iran in the field of forensic dentistry with prestigious world`s top dental schools, and also to examine the level of knowledge, practice and attitude of dental students towards forensic dentistry to examine the strengths and weaknesses of the educational curriculum for correction and revision. Also, in this research, major cases have been covered in the educational curriculum of the world's prestigious colleges but are not covered in the Iranian curriculum. Methods and materials: In this descriptive-interventional study, in order to compare the educational curriculum of Iran in forensic dentistry with world`s top dental schools, the study was conducted in two stages. In the first stage, in order to find the top dental schools in the world and to select the desired schools, the Shanghai and QS websites related to the ranking of dental schools were searched. Legal top schools were selected. In the next stage, the teaching methods, topics, educational content, type of unit, allocated hours, evaluation methods, educational environment and the specialty of teachers were assessed. The sources were determined and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Using the results obtained from the comparison of educational curricula, an educational pamphlet was prepared. In the prepared pamphlet, the cases in which the dentists were involved, as well as schematic images were used for better explain from of contents. After identifying the sample, the intervention was performed by counting method and pre-test. The subjects were divided into two groups of about 60 students and after completing the training in one group, the subjects in both groups were retested. For the validity of the questionnaire, the questionnaire was given to 5 faculty members and CVR and CVI indicators were measured. After conducting the questionnaire, the questionnaires were collected and evaluated in two parts: descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage) and analysis of covariance and inferential statistics (regression test). Results: Based on the results of the present study in order to compare the educational curriculum of Iran in forensic dentistry with world`s top dental schools, it can be said that there is no significant difference between forensic dentistry education in Iran and universities under study in the field of teaching method, learning environment of the educational unit and allocated hours. However, there is a significant difference between Iran and the studied universities in terms of topics, educational content, specialty of teachers and evaluation methods. After using the effect of the educational pamphlet on the experimental group, the components of knowledge, awareness and practice of dental students towards forensic dentistry had significantly increased.

Conclusion: In addition to the importance of forensic dentistry in mass disasters and the issue of identification, due to the fact that forensic dentistry education plays an important role in reducing dental malpractice and consequently the career prospects of dental students, more attention should be paid to this issue. Also, according to the findings of the present study, the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of dental students towards forensic dentistry is lower than average and achieving a higher scientific position for the country's faculties and training dentists with necessary international standards will not be possible without changing the country's medical science education systemin the field of forensic dentistry.