Treatment planning in dental schools.

Treatment planning is a complex process that is difficult to teach and evaluate. Various frameworks have been used to organize the decision-making process. While many have merit, the transition from ideal to realistic plan is rarely described in detail adequate for teaching purposes. None of the research recommends an objective method to measure students' treatment planning skills. A treatment planning model is described that would follow presentation of the "ideal" treatment plan in the curriculum. The model focuses specifically on the sequence of decisions necessary to formulate appropriate treatment plans for adult dental patients who present with compromising factors. Also, a method is suggested for objective evaluation of dental students' mastery of dental treatment planning at each of several intermediate steps, as well as at the final result.