Unveiling the implementation puzzle: Dental curriculum integration in Pakistan - A faculty perspective.

Abstract

Objective: To explore the challenges faced by faculty during the implementation of integrated dental curriculum at their documented level of integration in dental institutes of Pakistan. Study Design: Qualitative Exploratory Study. Setting: The study was carried out across three dental institutions in Pakistan. Period: January 1, 2023, to June 30, 2023. Methods: A "Qualitative Exploratory Study," carried out in three dental schools in Pakistan who are running integration of the existing curriculum for more than three years. Sampling technique employed was purposive sampling technique using criterion sampling strategy. Twenty one faculty members (seven from each institute) who were from basic sciences, preclinical sciences, clinical sciences & medical educationist were selected for one to one/online semi-structured interviews. Data saturation served as the criterion for determining the interview limit. The interviews were audio recorded and later on transcribed followed by thematic content analysis manually. Results: The researcher preferred a hands-on method without intrusion of computer software. Manual analysis was used because the transcript database was tiny (under 500 pages of transcripts). The procedure generated 154 codes, which were then categorized into five themes, including the difficulties and solutions in adopting an integrated dental curriculum in Pakistan. Conclusion: The implementation of an integrated dental curriculum is a difficult endeavor that calls for collaboration from all stakeholders. Three institutions took on these issues with a commitment, under the direction of their medical education departments, and developed strategies for effective execution. This study supports institutions that are having trouble making the transition.