A multicenter study of dental curricula in Asia/Pacific nations: The views and experiences of final-year dental students.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this qualitative study was to gain greater understanding of final-year dental students' views on and experience of their dental curricula in 4 universities from different Asia/Pacific countries, including New Zealand, Australia, and Hong Kong (China).

METHODS

A qualitative study approach was used, with semistructured interviews conducted with final-year students from each of the 4 universities.

RESULTS

Interviews were conducted with 60 final-year dental students, and 5 main themes were extracted from the interviews: (1) the definition of an "ideal" dental curriculum, (2) theoretical teaching, (3) transitional tools, (4) assessment, and (5) grading.

CONCLUSION

The findings provide insight into final-year students' views of dental curricula and suggestions on possible areas of reform in the dental curriculum. Further investigations are necessary to provide a curriculum that enables students to become competent, future-ready dental practitioners.