The aims of this study were to develop, implement, and assess a contemporary dental curriculum that would be competitive internationally and take into consideration the specific needs of the community in a newly established all-female dental school in Saudi Arabia: Princess Nourah bint AbdulRahman University College of Dentistry (PNUCD). A six-step approach to curriculum development was used. Problem identification, general needs, and target needs were identified, and goals, objectives, and educational strategies were defined. The new curriculum emphasizes producing competent dentists focused on prevention and geared toward the needs of women and children. Leadership attributes, patient-centered care, and research are emphasized in the curriculum. Contemporary educational methods are used to implement the curriculum. In the assessment part of the study, evaluations of the curriculum by students, faculty, and external stakeholders (part-time instructors, program evaluators, and patients) have been mainly positive. Overall, PNUCD provided the opportunity to develop a curriculum that reflects the explosion of scientific knowledge, based on principles of modern educational theory in a unique cultural environment.
Keywords: Saudi Arabia; competency-based education; dental curriculum; dental education; dental schools; professional education.