title: Evidence-based dentistry: assessment to document progression to proficiency.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The integration of evidence-based dentistry (EBD) into pre-doctoral dental curricula requires the identification of desired outcomes, development of curricular content and design of assessment strategies which guide student performance whilst documenting achievement of desired curricular outcomes. Models for developing EBD curriculums have been described in the literature; however, the logistics of designing assessment instruments to progressively document student performance have received less attention. The objective of this article is to describe the University of Iowa's College of Dentistry's development and implementation of assessment strategies to guide student learning of EBD knowledge, application and assimilation to serve as a model for other institutions developing EBD assessment protocols.
  Desired EBD knowledge and behaviour outcomes guided the development of curricular content and progressive formative and summative assessment strategies. Vertically and horizontally integrated educational activities enabling students to demonstrate EBD knowledge whilst modelling desired behaviours were identified, whilst assessment principles guided development of learning guides and assessment instruments to document achievement of desired outcomes. Consistent EBD language and educational activities are utilised throughout the 4-year interdisciplinary curriculum with stepwise assessment protocols matched to the curriculum. Examples of student learning guides and assessment instruments are provided.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Curricular design guides development of assessment strategies. Assessment protocols provide consistent formative and summative feedback to enable continuous student growth to become proficient EBD practitioners.
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa, IA, USA.
authors.forename: T A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Marshall
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa, IA, USA.
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Straub-Morarend
authors.affiliation: Department of Operative Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa, IA, USA.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Guzmán-Armstrong
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Pathology, Radiology and Medicine, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa, IA, USA.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Handoo
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D003479:Curriculum; D004497:Education, Dental / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*; D055094:Evidence-Based Dentistry
keywords: assessment; dental education; dental school curricula; evidence-based dentistry