Evaluation of basic standards in the general dentistry teaching program approved in Islamic Republic of Iran from dental schools viewpoint

The importance of quality in medical education makes the need for better standards in educational systems in the center of interest as the basis for certification. Standards needed to be evaluated by program administrators before the implementation phase. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the general dentistry standards program in Islamic republic of Iran from dental schools view point. This descriptive study was performed during the year 2011 and 2012. A list of 16 faculties was introduced by the dental secretariat of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education. A check list was conducted based on the basic standards of undergraduate dental program that consisted of the importance and feasibility of each standard. The checklist was evaluated by sixteen dental schools representatives and asked their faculty members and reported back to the dental secretariat of the Ministry of Health. Results were reported in descriptive statistics manner. Data were collected from 14 dental schools. (Response rate=87%). All of the criteria were essential with more than 85% agreement of the faculties. There were more than 70% of criteria that were not feasible in less than one year. The dental standard program was widely accepted by the faculties over the country. However, it seemed that by the faculties it would fail if used as accreditation base line.