OBJECTIVE STRUCTURED CLINICAL EXAMINATION (OSCE) IN PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

The aim of this study was to design an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) for the subject of Pediatric Dentistry, to be administered at the Faculty of Odontology of the Complutense University of Madrid. For this purpose, different clinical situations were identified and considered as possible stations where dental students could show their learning strategies and competences to manage different problems associated to young patients. Eight teachers from different departments participated in this project. An interdisciplinary OSCE was set for fourth-year students. Different aspects such as knowledge, interdisciplinary knowledge, communication skills, clinical reasoning and practical procedures were considered in the design of ten stations. Stations were built up in the dental clinics of the university using a wide range of standardized resources: clinical images displayed on computers, x-rays, typodont, dental plaster models and real patients. Checklists to evaluate the student's performance were also designed based on specific predetermined criteria agreed upon by the participating teachers. After completion of each station students would receive written marks and feedback related to the performed tasks, and a questionnaire on their opinion and perception of the examination. Produced materials will be presented and discussed. This is the first specifically designed OSCE for education and assessment in Pediatric Dentistry in a Spanish university.