Developing a Competency-based Dental Curriculum in Korea

Abstract

Purpose: In recent years, efforts to improve the dental curriculum in South Korea have focused on a shift to outcome-based dental education based on core competencies in dentistry. So far, the field has seen various studies on the development of competencies, performance evaluation, and the importance of outcome-based education, but few studies have documented the development of such an education model. Therefore, this study develops an OBE curriculum for dentistry education and describes the development procedures and then finally this study intends to share our experience to other dental schools. Methods: This study introduces the development procedure and details of an outcome-based education model for dental education and presents the five stages of an outcome-based education model. In this study, 3 educational experts and 2 dental professor composed the TFT and developed the research method according to the ADDIE model. Step 1 is to conduct quantitative / qualitative research analysis through some survey and interview, Step 2 is to do a survey to revise competency, Step 3 is to develop a materials through consensus and participation of our professors of the dental school, Step 4 is to do some workshops, Step 5 is to prepare and conduct a outcome evaluation. Results: Step 1 is a required process for developing an educational model: the Job Analysis & Need Analysis stage. Step 2 is the Development of Outcome and Competency stage, which involves revising the competencies that are the basis of the curriculum. Step 3 is developing competency descriptions, competency levels, and evaluation criteria?the Development of Outcomes and Evaluation Standards. Step 4 is the Development of Milestones for Curriculum and Instructional Strategy, which examines the curriculum's problems and analyzes the improvements of each course. Step 5 is the Evaluating Outcomes stage, conducted based on the competencies specified by the target dental school. Conclustion: The model presented here can serve as a foundation for outcome-based education in other dental schools.