Elective subjects in the dental curriculum. Perceptions by graduates in relation to dental practice and continuing education.

Abstract

Abstract— Graduates from a dental curriculum which included elective subjects were surveyed and a majority expressed satisfaction with it. Electives chosen did not seem to have influenced career choice, although students had some opportunity to choose them based on their initial types of practice. Some dental electives prepare students significantly better for dental practice, and this is a general trend for all electives. The overall curriculum was perceived to be strongest in aspects of adult dentistry and weakest in child, adolescent, and dentistry for the disabled and the aged. It is precisely in these areas that a disparity was demonstrated between the need for, and attendance at continuing education courses. Dentistry is practised largely as it is taught and major remedies lie in the dental curriculum and in continuing education in defined areas.