Using the Six-Step Approach for Curriculum Development in a Blended Learning Dentistry Curriculum

Abstract

Purpose/objectives: This study documents lessons learned from the revision of the predoctoral advanced pediatric dentistry course administered during the academic year 2019-2020. Insight on the use of and recommendations for adopting the Six-Step Approach for dental curriculum revision are provided.

Methods: Thomas et al.'s Curriculum Development for Medical Education: A Six-Step Approach was adapted and applied by dental faculty after the predoctoral director completed a Medical Education Principles and Practice course. Literature review, anonymous student and faculty surveys administered via Qualtrics, individual faculty feedback sessions, and aggregate course data were assessed.

Results: The identification of the specific health care problem to be solved and the assessment of targeted learners and learning environment helped clarify course goals and specific measurable objectives. With a shared understanding of learners' needs, faculty united in adopting new educational strategies to promote the achievement of revised objectives. This facilitated rapid course implementation. Evaluation results demonstrated increased student engagement and faculty satisfaction.

Conclusions: The framework provided by the Six-Step Approach aided the revision of the pediatric dental curriculum, clarified goals of promoting learner engagement, and increased faculty enjoyment of teaching. Dental educators may find this framework useful when revising their curricula.Knowledge Transfer Statement:This article aims to support dental educators in familiarizing themselves with and using a defined approach to curriculum development.

Keywords: clinician educator; educational methodology (teaching method, pedagogy, techniques, educational); evaluation (curriculum, program evaluation); pediatric dentistry; pediatric dentistry (pediatric dentistry); predental (education/predental); teaching; teaching model; training support; undergraduate dental (education, dental).