Methods: A comparative review of clinical placements across health profession schools at the University of Sydney.
Results: Clinical placements are an integral component to dental education in Australia. They provide work integrated learning opportunities and enable dental graduates to be “work ready” on graduation. Comparisons of clinical placements across health profession education provide opportunity to develop dental curricula that are contemporary and best practice. The clinical placement model varies across the health professions and between Universities and this is partly a result of each profession’s capacity to practice autonomously on graduation and the level that clinical placements are embedded in curricula.
The move to activity-based funding in the health system has put pressure on the cost of education activities and in particular the costs of clinical placements. In many cases, this assessment has not included the benefits of clinical placements. These are extensive and include extra clinical service delivery, the development of innovative practice through research and the development of well-rounded professionals who can easily and rapidly fit into the health system.
Conclusion : To ensure Australia’s dental education maintains a world class standard, clinical placements are essential. Universities, through the analysis of clinical placement costs and benefits need to lead the development of agreements with health providers.