Abstract
The fundamental aims of a curriculum is Periodontology at the UWI Dental School, Mt. Hope, Trinidad are described. Objectives of the course are determined and linked to levels of competence that must be achieved. However, there are also good reasons to demand optimal standards of proficiency especially in relation to cross infection hazards. Psychomotor, effective and cognitive skills are all required to practice periodontology and methods to stimulate learning in these domains are enumerated. Both self-directed learning and tutor-directed self-reflective forms of learning are advocated. An evaluation methodology in keeping with the underlying theoretical learning principles is then outlined. The final test of a curriculum must be the student outcomes, and in a clinical discipline such as periodontology, patient treatment outcomes. These demand the showing of appropriate alternatives in treatment planning, yet a need to follow approved treatment guidelines.
