How anatomy is taught to dental students: Results of an ADEA survey to US and Canadian faculty

Abstract

Members of the Anatomical Sciences Section of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) recently completed an international survey of the directors of all North American dental gross anatomy courses to assess: 1) what level of detail are specific topics and content areas being presented; 2) when in the curriculum are specific content areas are taught; 3) what areas are omitted; and 4) what other areas are of concern with regard to North American dental gross anatomists. The survey received a 95.5% response rate representing 64 (of 67) of the US and Canadian dental schools. The results of this survey indicate, amongst other things that: 1) the use of computer‐assisted instruction (CAI) tools has increased; 2) emphasis on clinical topics has increased; 3) reliance upon medical school faculty and facilities is high; 4) a pattern of increased use of integrated curricula among dental schools has emerged; and 5) a general trend for a decrease in student contact hours is ongoing. The specific data are currently being analyzed and will be presented. These data will provide the framework by which course directors and administrators, in need of curricular information, can make more informed decisions in the appropriateness of content and even provide guidance in evaluation of their program.Grant Funding SourceAAA Young Faculty Travel Award – Supported by AAA Second Century Fund