title: A new approach to the training and education of oral health personnel.
abstract: An innovative curriculum has been designed for the Fiji School of Medicine to enable dental personnel to proceed through a sequence of educational modules on a career path leading from a dental assistant through other auxiliary grades to a dentist with a BDS degree. The courses for each grade are formulated to be relevant to the pattern of oral diseases in Fiji and the Pacific Islands; be designed in accordance with specified job-descriptions; have a strong community orientation, with emphasis on prevention and the promotion of oral health; permit exit and re-entry at each level; incorporate, where appropriate, the principle of problem-based learning; and incorporate procedures to ensure early establishment of clinical skills. Details of the first year and an outline of the structure of the course for the subsequent years are presented.
authors.forename: G N
authors.initials: GN
authors.lastname: Davies
authors.forename: S F
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Atalifo
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tuisuva
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: King
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mucunabitu
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Nawawabalavu
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vukunisiga
mesh_terms: D003479:Curriculum; D003727:Dental Auxiliaries / Q000193:education*; D004497:Education, Dental; D005367:Fiji; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods