UBT Dentistry Teaching and Learning Methodology
There several models of dentist education internationally, that is the generic and specialist model. UBT has adopted a generic model to prepare students for generic practice for multiple client groups in varied settings. While the areas of concentration may be generic, a consensus has emerged in Europe about the need to ensure minimum standards in the profession.
The EU Directive EC 2005/36 and EU Directive EP 2013 provide the basic and minimum standards of the profession in EU. Kosovo has not yet consolidated a Dental Practitioner Competence Framework nor the legal basis to ensure that minimum standards are being followed. The newly proposed law on Regulated Professions outlines the need to regulate the dentist profession and provide coordination points to oversee the implementation of stomatology profession standards.
While awaiting further institutional developments, UBT has adopted the EU Directive minimum standards of the profession to both ensure future student mobility and ensure that students meet the competency frameworks of advanced countries in dental practice. According to EU Directive EC 2005/36, The training of dental practitioners shall comprise a total of at least five years of study, which may in addition be expressed with the equivalent ECTS credits, and shall provide for theoretical and clinical training.
The UBT curriculum generally adheres to the EC Directive and meets the minimum theoretical/practical ratio defined therein. The program total 360 ECTS are structured into 12 semesters. The integrated studies of dentistry results in the academic title of Doctor of Stomatology. The studies last 6 years and include 1935 hours of theory and 2430 hours of practice. The total student workload throughout the integrated studies including theoretical instruction, practice, preparation and exams equals 360 ECTS. As per the EC 2005/36 EU Commission Directive and EC Directive Annex 5.3.1 on Dental Practitioners,: the curriculum contains three categories of courses that at times offered in the context of other disciplines or in conjunction: (1) Basic subjects, (2) General Medicine subject and (3) Stomatology subjects
The learning activities in theoretical component of the course of education are organized to support the subject and the competences the student must explore and develop. Education and study methods comprise a broad range of activities varying between: lectures, student presentations, theoretical exercises and assignments, dialogue-based and discussion-based education, case-based education, training in skills lab, authentic patient/citizen contacts through patient organizations. as well as project-based education including presentation and communication of result and product; counseling in connection with individual and common assignments also including projects; different types of virtual learning facilities; reading and study groups.
The study method requires students to participate in lectures and seminars in the traditional format customary in most universities. Seminar sessions are opportunities for students to discuss in-depth about the topics of the week and receive further feedback on their self-study process. Thus, seminar participation is mandatory and a separate record is kept for every student.
Student achievements are evaluated through assignments and exams. The aim of the procedure is to test the knowledge that students have acquired during the course and their entitlement to academic credit.
Assignments – students are required to submit assignments during the semester on pre-determined dates. Assignments are checked, graded and returned to students. In addition to the grade students receive written feedback.
Examinations – in nearly all courses there is a final exam at the end of the semester. The exam is written by the course coordinator and is approved by a senior faculty member. Exams are checked on the basis of the pre-determined criteria. Appeals are handled by an individual not included in the first round of examination.
Final grade – the final grade in the course is calculated as a weighted average of the assignements submitted and of the exam. The assignments usually constitute 15-35 percent of the course grade. A student who fails the final exam cannot pass the course regardless of their performance on assignments.
Written final examinations are conducted at the end of all courses. They take place simultaneously. Students are entitled to take an exam twice. Most exams are open-ended questions. In some courses there may be tasks with multiple choices. In most cases, the final exam counts for 40-100 percent of the final grade. Exams are organized at the end of every semester and usually last between 1-3 hours. Students will proven learning difficulties get an additional hour.
Assessment is dictated by the Study Regulations. The exam assesses the learning outcomes. All subjects of theoretical nature end with exams. All exams include a written part, except where it is not permissible due the specifics. Graded assignments do not require a written part at the examination session. The goal of pass/fail evaluation is assessment of learning outcomes of a practical nature with the help of pass/fail scale. All students registered for the course will automatically register for the exam. Grades are on a scale of 0-100. The passing grade is 50 percent
The student may register the same examination three times. An examination that is passed cannot be taken again. When the module is registered, the student is automatically registered for the examination. Components of the course requirements will be evaluated with a numerical grade. The students will also receive the equivalent letter grade of the mark obtained. The final course grade will be calculated by adding the products of GPA value of each component and its respective weighting.
Regular periodic examinations are conducted at the end of every semester. A student cannot repeat the same exam more than three times. If for whatever reason the student fails in either theory or practice they are considered to have failed the entire semester/year. Assessment is based on evaluation of tests assignments, individual assignments, viva-voce and clinical presentations and performance. Proper records are maintained for all students. A candidate must obtain a 50% or higher mark to qualify for the Bachelor Thesis. Theory courses are rated from 6-10, while practice is marked on the pass/fail basis. Assessment is performed by academic and clinical staff. More information on the details of examination and assessment are attached to individual course description below