Integration of natural sciences and basic medical subjects in the integrated dentistry program (iMED DENT) at the University of Hamburg

• Published in: Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz Vol. 66; no. 12; p. 1353
• Main Authors: Bender, Roland, Bruhn, Natascha, Eisenbarth, Sophie, Lemke, Rüdiger, Pantke, Chiara-Fabienne, Hampe, Wolfgang, Schwoerer, Alexander Peter
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: German
• Published: 01.12.2023
• ISSN: 1437-1588; 1437-1588
• DOI: 10.1007/s00103-023-03795-0

In October 2019, an integrated dentistry program (iMED DENT) was implemented at the University of Hamburg and was the first of its kind in Germany. This model curriculum builds on didactic concepts that have been applied successfully for many years in curricula for human medicine, including interdisciplinary teaching, early clinical experience, and scientific education. The first year focuses on the healthy situation ("normal function") and aims to integrate the natural sciences (biology, chemistry, physics) and the basic medical subjects (anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, medical terminology) in the context of dental health. Further, basic practical and clinical tasks are assigned to the students during the first year.From the experience of the first four cohorts, initial conclusions can be drawn about this stage of study. Generally, its modular structure results in a condensation of learning content, which students judge as demanding. However, its interdisciplinary approach is well accepted. For instance, presenting the basics of the natural sciences in the context of their dental relevance is much better evaluated in the new compared to the previous curriculum, in which this content was taught without specific references to dental health. Teaching the basics of medicine within clinical context and the inclusion of early clinical practice are similarly appreciated. Presently, the interdisciplinary approach is limited by the focus on practical competencies of the dentistry curriculum, as some practical courses offer only few opportunities for other disciplines to interconnect their teaching. The continuous evaluation of the curriculum and exchange of experiences between the disciplines will further improve the integrative concept of the curriculum.In October 2019, an integrated dentistry program (iMED DENT) was implemented at the University of Hamburg and was the first of its kind in Germany. This model curriculum builds on didactic concepts that have been applied successfully for many years in curricula for human medicine, including interdisciplinary teaching, early clinical experience, and scientific education. The first year focuses on the healthy situation ("normal function") and aims to integrate the natural sciences (biology, chemistry, physics) and the basic medical subjects (anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, medical terminology) in the context of dental health. Further, basic practical and clinical tasks are assigned to the students during the first year.From the experience of the first four cohorts, initial conclusions can be drawn about this stage of study. Generally, its modular structure results in a condensation of learning content, which students judge as demanding. However, its interdisciplinary approach is well accepted. For instance, presenting the basics of the natural sciences in the context of their dental relevance is much better evaluated in the new compared to the previous curriculum, in which this content was taught without specific references to dental health. Teaching the basics of medicine within clinical context and the inclusion of early clinical practice are similarly appreciated. Presently, the interdisciplinary approach is limited by the focus on practical competencies of the dentistry curriculum, as some practical courses offer only few opportunities for other disciplines to interconnect their teaching. The continuous evaluation of the curriculum and exchange of experiences between the disciplines will further improve the integrative concept of the curriculum.