Assessment of advanced paediatric dentistry education programmes in Egypt: a survey of programme directors

Abstract

Background: Advanced paediatric dentistry education programmes (APDEPs) should follow specific standards to produce competent specialists. The current study assessed APDEPs in Egypt via an online questionnaire to programme directors. Subjects and methods: An online questionnaire was distributed to the directors of fully operational degree-granting APDEPs in Egypt in June 2023. The survey instrument was based on the Accreditation Standards for Advanced Dental Education Programmes in Paediatric Dentistry developed by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Results: Directors of the sixteen fully operational APDEPs answered the questionnaire giving a 100% response rate. APDEPs, in Egypt, varied regarding the adequacy of teaching staff, facilities and resources, didactic instruction, clinical requirements, and research activities. Conclusion: The current survey provides information about the strengths and weaknesses of fully operational degree-granting APDEPs in Egypt. This information can help maintain and improve the quality of these programmes.