Human disease/clinical medical sciences for dentistry in early-years dental graduates: Transition from undergraduate study to clinical practice.

INTRODUCTION

Dental bodies across Europe have published curricula aiming to guide the development of a graduating dentist who is safe and competent, and which also contain direction on what knowledge and understanding of patient's health, drugs and disease a recent graduate should have.

MATERIALS, METHODS AND AIM: A questionnaire to survey Foundation Dentists in Wales regarding their undergraduate teaching and assessment in human disease/clinical medical science for dentistry and how this translates to their knowledge, attitudes and confidence in the dental management of patients who may have chronic disease or disability.

RESULTS

A 97% response rate to the questionnaire from Foundation Dentists graduating from schools across the UK showed that the large majority felt their teaching and learning in human disease/clinical medical science for dentistry was appropriately delivered and assessed, and that they were well prepared for independent dental practice and to plan and safely manage treatments for all their patients.

DISCUSSION

This survey of newly qualified dentists representing graduates from different types of dental courses and both newer and long-established schools across the UK reports the foundation dentists felt that they are competent and safe to care for all patients, including those with complex medical histories.

CONCLUSIONS

The foundation dentists surveyed have completed dental undergraduate courses containing the appropriate education and assessment for human health and disease, such that they are prepared to manage their patient population safely, and are well placed to serve their patients as the population continues to age and the amount of medical morbidity increases.