E-LEARNING FOR DENTAL PROFESSIONALS

E-Learning for Dental Professionals

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction3

Chapter 2: Literature Review9

Chapter 3: Methodology34

Chapter 4: Findings and Discussion41

Results43

Discussion46

Chapter 5: Conclusions55

References60

Bibliography62

Chapter 1: Introduction

Background

All new Dental graduates in the UK have to undergo a 12 month period of “Vocational Training”. As part of the training year, all trainees' have to complete a training portfolio which records the training undertaken over the 12 month period. Traditionally, all trainees' had to complete a paper based portfolio to record the training received. In 2008, this portfolio was changed to a web based system but this has caused trainers a number of problems and difficulties. The study has been designed to identify these problems and difficulties.

In addition to this the study will investigate e-learning in Dentistry in general as this is a new emerging and exciting field.

Problem Statement

The use of computers in dental education and practice dates back to the mid 1960s, when they were used in dental schools and large practices for specific (and limited) administrative tasks. However, the role of and emphasis on the computer have changed considerably over the last few decades, and computers are now becoming an integral part of dental education and dental practice.

Information and communication technology (ICT) is currently used in many areas of oral health care, including electronic databases, data transfer and practice management.2 Appropriate ICT tools (such as email, online databases, internet and computer-assisted learning) may be utilised by staff, not only for personal and professional development, but also for the benefit of patients.3 There is a national agenda for the development of ICT within health care4 and firm warnings have been issued about the dangers of 'being left behind'.

Aims & Objectives

The aim of this study was to ascertain the pros and cons of the e-portfolio compared with the paper based portfolio and analyse problems with the new system which could then be fed back to the software company which developed the system to effect improvements.

The study aims to assimilate the views of a group of at least 50 trainers who have had experienced both the paper based portfolio as well as the electronic e-portfolio.

The e-portfolio was not piloted nor any focus group or interview was carried out prior to the change to the new system. The objectives of the study have been identified and summarised as follows:-

Identify the benefits and limitations of the paper based portfolio

Identify the benefits and limitations of the e-portfolio

Suggest improvements to the e-portfolio

Feedback results to the Dental Postgraduate Deanery and software company (Smile-On.com) to help improve the new system

Investigate the different types of e-learning for dentistry

Assess the benefits of e-learning

Rationale

Trainers have raised problems with the e-portfolio informally during trainer meetings and this new system has been the subject of considerable controversy. As a consequence, it is expected that there will be good compliance for the study from all parties involved - from the Trainers wanting to air their problems with the e-portfolio and the Deanery/Software company wanting to rectify any ...