The quality of teaching and training in hospital dental departments in Taiwan: Results from the 2008 national survey

Background/purpose The purpose of this study was to understand the overall conditions of dental teaching and training by dental departments in Taiwan's hospitals. Materials and methods In 2007-2008, a questionnaire survey (evaluation form) about dental teaching and training criteria was mailed to 165 hospital dental departments in Taiwan. After the questionnaires were mailed back, a field survey of dental departments of these hospitals was carried out. Each hospital was visited to check the answers to the questionnaire. The survey return rate was 62%. This research examined 28 criteria concerned with dental teaching and training, and the results were analyzed. Scores of the criteria in the questionnaire (evaluation form) were on a five-point scale, from high to low: A = totally achieved; B = above the average standard; C = the average standard; D = below the average standard; and E = not suitable. If an item was not applicable, then the respondent could choose NA. The percentages of A-E and NA were analyzed according to the location of the dental department (i.e., in a medical center, regional hospital, or district hospital), then for every respective criterion, and finally for the entire dataset. Results For overall dental teaching and training, 65% of medical centers received an A, 24% of regional hospitals received a C level, and 67% of district hospitals received NA. Dental departments that received above C were 98% of medical centers, 56% of regional hospitals, and 26% of district hospitals. Conclusion For overall dental teaching and training, our study showed medical centers were superior to regional hospitals, which were superior to district hospitals. Medical centers (98% above average standard) provided satisfactory teaching and training in their dental departments.