The role of external evaluation on upgrading the quality of higher education system: Babol University of Medical Sciences case

Today, improving the quality of higher education system is a basic consideration for higher education administrators. In the meantime, using external evaluation strategy plays a key role 1n reaching a quality university system. The purpose of this study was to externally evaluate the Department of Operative Dentistry and Dental School in Babol University of Medical Sciences during 2015-16 school-year. In this descriptive study, 109 members of the Department of Operative Dentistry and Dental including students, faculty members, department chairs and staffs) were participated. In this evaluation, questionnaire, interviews, checklist and observation were utilized to collect data. In order to analyze data, descriptive statistics (means and percentage, and weighting method) was used. According to the findings of this study, except from faculty members, equipment and facilities were considered in fairly favorable condition, the two other factors (missions and goals, and department chairs) were assessed favorable. Overall, the department condition was assessed relatively favorable. In this study, faculty member and facility factors were not in good conditions. Due to the high position of faculty members in training specialists to meet the needs of public health, and the role of facilities in achievement the department's objectives, it is essential that the authorities take necessary actions to resolve the Department's problems.