Abstract:
Computers have presented society with the largest array of opportunities since the
printing press. More specifically in dental education they represent the path to freedom
from the memory-based curriculum. Computers allow us to be constantly in touch with
the entire scope of knowledge necessary for decision making in every aspect of the
process of preparing young men and women to practice dentistry. No longer is it necessary
to spend the energy or time previously used to memorize facts, test for retention
of facts or be concerned with remembering facts when dealing with our patients. Modern
information management systems can assume that task allowing dentists to concentrate
on understanding, skill, judgement and wisdom while helping patients deal with their
problems within a health care system that is simultaneously baffling in its complexity
and overflowing with options. This paper presents a summary of the choices facing
dental educators as computers continue to afford us the freedom to look differently
at teaching, research and practice. The discussion will elaborate some of the ways
dental educators must think differently about the educational process in order to
utilize fully the power of computers in curriculum development and tracking, integration
of basic and clinical teaching, problem solving, patient management, record keeping
and research. Some alternative strategies will be discussed that may facilitate the
transition from the memory-based to the computer-based curriculum and practice.
Key-Words:
Education - Attitudes Toward Computers - Health Education
