Assessment in a global context: An international perspective on dental education

Abstract

Assessments are widely used in dental education to record the academic progress of students and ultimately determine whether they are ready to begin independent dental practice. Whilst some would consider this a "rite-of-passage" of learning, the concept of assessments in education is being challenged to allow the evolution of "assessment for learning." This serves as an economical use of learning resources whilst allowing our learners to prove their knowledge and skills and demonstrating competence. The Association for Dental Education in Europe and the American Dental Education Association held a joint international meeting in London in May 2017 allowing experts in dental education to come together for the purposes of Shaping the Future of Dental Education. Assessment in a Global Context was one topic in which international leaders could discuss different methods of assessment, identifying the positives, the pitfalls and critiquing the method of implementation to determine the optimum assessment for a learner studying to be a healthcare professional. A post-workshop survey identified that educators were thinking differently about assessment, instead of working as individuals providing isolated assessments; the general consensus was that a longitudinally orientated systematic and programmatic approach to assessment provide greater reliability and improved the ability to demonstrate learning.

Introducing a comprehensive high-stake online exam to final-year dental students during the COVID-19 pandemic and evaluation of its effectiveness

“…Assessment for learning is an educational concept that motivates both educator and learner to actively improve the learning process and facilitate a positive attitude towards future learning. Assessment in dental education should include a diagnostic component in order to identify learning barriers and student weaknesses [ 6 , 7 ].…”

Rethinking Assessment Concepts in Dental Education

“…Assessment for learning is an educational concept that motivates both the educator and learner to actively improve the learning process and facilitate a positive attitude towards future learning. Assessment in dental education should include a diagnostic component in order to identify learning barriers and student weaknesses [ 35 , 36 ]. The assessment of various domains of competence in dental education requires multiple methods of assessments and constructive feedback in order to overcome the limitations of single assessment formats.…”

Dental faculty and student views of didactic and clinical assessment: A qualitative description study

“…This is consistent with current developments in assessment practices in health professions education, especially moving away from the traditional assessment-of-learning approach towards an assessment-for-learning approach. 33 Although desired, this transition will likely require behavioural changes and an increased level of assessment literacy from instructors. Unlike previous recommendations in the literature, which have mainly focused on improving assessment appropriateness, faculty and students made important recommendations to address other issues, including volume, pace and scheduling of assessments such as merging courses and assessments.…”