Development of a Gerodontology course in Athens: a pilot study.

AIM To describe the development of an undergraduate Gerodontology course in Athens Dental School. BACKGROUND Because of demographic changes, undergraduate dental curricula should place appropriate emphasis on the oral care of the elderly. Therefore, the Athens Dental School Curriculum Committee authorised the development of a new Gerodontology course. METHODS The new course was introduced in the 10th (final) semester of undergraduate studies. Teaching responsibilities were shared amongst staff from various Dental School departments and the National Health System. The course was elective and mainly didactic, consisting of seminars within the Dental School, educational visits to hospitals and geriatric day centres and elective clinical work in the comprehensive care clinic. The students evaluated the course at the end of the semester and indicated its strengths and weaknesses from their perspective. CONCLUSION The new course was generally satisfying. Based on the experience and evaluation of the first pilot year and taking into consideration the existing barriers, we plan to improve and expand educational activities, mainly including improved methods of teaching and assessment, and more clinical assignments.