Title: Application of Anatomical Knowledge by Final Year Dental Students of Integrated Curriculum: A Pilot Study

Authors: Htar Htar Aung, Ankur Barua, Anupa Sivakumar, Khin Ma Ma

 DOI:  https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v4i11.54

Abstract

The integrated curriculum has been introduced in the Dental faculty of the designated institution since 2008. This study was aimed to evaluate the application of anatomical knowledge of final year undergraduate dental students of integrated curriculum, and to assess the perception of the both dental students and their lecturer on clinical application of anatomy. A cross-sectional study was conducted for 4 weeks among 40 final year undergraduate dental students and 18 lecturers. Students underwent an examination that included 6 Objective Structured Practical Examination (OSPE) and 20 One Best Answer (OBA) questions to test their application knowledge in clinical settings. A semi-structured, self-administrated questionnaire was used to identify their perceptions on the application of anatomical knowledge. The data were analysed by using SPSS 17. The Spearman’s Correlation test reported a significant, strong, positive correlation between the scores of OSPE and OBA. The Mann-Whitney U-test revealed statistically significant associations regarding the perception of both dental students and lecturers in terms of Problem based learning (PBL), practical sessions, Self-directed Learning (SDL), the strong surface anatomy knowledge, the usefulness of cadaver and the confidence in applying the anatomical knowledge. The present curriculum needs more interactive face to face sessions, small group discussions in practical sessions and more SDL in order to provide the strong foundations for undergraduate dental students in clinical anatomy.

Keywords: Anatomical knowledge, Application, Undergraduate, Dental student, Integrated curriculum.

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Corresponding Author

Htar Htar Aung

Department of Human Biology, School of Medicine, International, Medical University Malaysia

No. 126, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit Jalil. 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Tel: +60 3 2731 7509