Effect of Clinical Rotation Timing on Learning Quality of Dental Students

Mahya Hasanzade; Rezvaneh Ghazanfari; Hakimeh Siadat; Mohammad Javad Kharazifard

doi:10.18502/fid.v19i33.11115

Mahya Hasanzade Department of Prosthodontics, Dental Research Center, Dentistry Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Rezvaneh Ghazanfari Department of Prosthodontics, Dental Research Center, Dentistry Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Hakimeh Siadat Department of Prosthodontics, Dental Research Center, Dentistry Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Mohammad Javad Kharazifard Statistics Consultant, Dental Research Center, Dentistry Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/fid.v19i33.11115

Keywords: Education, Dental; Curriculum; Time Management

Abstract

Objective: Dental educational curricula are under constant modification and improvement. However, designing a comprehensive, efficient, and flexible curriculum is still challenging for the authorities. An efficient curriculum should obviate the educational needs of students and promote their knowledge and expertise for future practice. Time planning of clinical rotations is highly important for optimization of the learning process. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of two different timing models of clinical rotations, namely four versus two rotations in each semester.

Materials and Methods: A total of 74 dental students and 54 faculty members of Tehran University of Medical Science that experienced both rotation models for two consecutive years (2018 and 2019) participated in this study. A questionnaire was designed to assess different aspects of the two timing-models.

Results: A one-sample t-test indicated that students' and faculty members' mean perception were significantly better regarding the two-rotation program.

Conclusion: This study indicated that changing the time planning of educational rotations can affect different aspects of education.