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.