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Comparative assessment of educational services in dental schools of Iran, 2003

Comparing medical universities is a useful tool to identify best practices and situation analysis in educational services and may be used as a benchmark tool for planning and identifying goals and periorities. In this study we designed criteria to compare dental schools structures and performances and identified best practices among them. Methods & Materials: In this experimental study, in the project’s expert panel committee, consisting of dentistry faculty members and medical education experts, a benchmarking tool was devised by using goal analysis and brain storming methods. This tool was used to measure the educational performances of dental schools nationwide. Indicators’ weights were defined through consensus developing methods. Each school was asked to introduce a representative who would complete a questionnaire, which was designed to collect schools’ information. In the next step, all the divisions were visited by project's members. Then, data retrieval was performed and verified at the project’s office. Fifty seven criteria for evaluating educational services in dental schools were classified in 7 subgroups: 1. national university enterance exam (2.1%), 2. faculties (15.7%), 3. equipment & facilities (23.2%), 4. management (31.6%), 5. help & support systems (7.4%), 6. outputs (14.6%) and 7. faculty products (5.4%). Shahid Beheshti Dental School gained the first rank, with the score of 70.12 out of 100. Authorities have used practical strategies and benchmarks of this study for qualitative and quantitative improvement of educational services.