(PO-172) Preparedness for Practice with Curriculum Changes in Practice Management

Author: Bradley S. Roberts, D.D.S. – Clinical Assistant Professor, Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine-Arizona
Author: Eugenia P. Roberts, D.D.S. – Clinical Associate Professor, Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine-Arizona
Author: William Brachvogel, D.D.S – Clinical Assistant Professor, Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine-Arizona
Submitter: Eugenia P. Roberts, D.D.S. – Clinical Associate Professor, Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine-Arizona

Objectives: The aim of this study was to survey U.S. Dental Schools’ Practice Management curriculum to assess changes which may account for students increased perception of preparedness for dental practice expressed in the ADEA Graduating Seniors’ surveys from 48% prepared in 2013 to almost 63% by 2018.

Methods: The study had three parts: 1.) a 23-question electronic survey emailed to the academic deans or practice management course directors of 64 United States universities and colleges of dentistry active by October 2019, 2.) a web-search of 66 U.S. dental schools practice management curricula and 3.) a review of the ADEA Surveys of Dental School Seniors from years 2001 to 2018 on practice management responses.

Results: The electronic study survey had a 36% response rate and indicated that all dental school respondents had practice management curricular changes in the past 5 years, with updates on subject matter (100%), instructors (78%), number of classes (56%), instructional methods (65%), and technology (52%) including web-based business models and simulation courses. The top factors motivating curricular changes were student interest (74%), CODA standards (61%), faculty feedback (39%), and administration goals (39%). Over 61% expected to continue to change the curriculum in the future, with more assessments, case studies, elective programs, and shadowing opportunities.

Conclusions: Our study results highlighted that graduates’ perceptions of preparedness for practice, in the ADEA Graduating Seniors’ Surveys, significantly increased in the last 5 years. This may be due to concurrent Practice Management curriculum enhancements throughout U.S. dental schools, including the addition of dual degree masters' programs in business administration and courses beginning as early as D1 and D2 year. Dental graduates appear positive and ready to be leaders in their offices, their communities, and their careers, in part due to Practice Management curriculum changes in pre-doctoral experience.