Chapter 2.3 QUALITY ASSURANCE, BENCHMARKING, ASSESSMENT AND MUTUAL INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION OF QUALIFICATIONS

The aim of this report is to provide guidance to assist in the international convergence of quality assurance, benchmarking and assessment systems to improve dental education. Proposals are developed for mutual recognition of qualifications, in order to aid international movement and exchange of staff and students including and supporting developing countries. Quality assurance is the responsibility of all staff involved in dental education and involves three levels: internal, institutional and external. Benchmarking information provides a subject framework. Benchmarks are useful for a variety of purposes including design and validation of programmes, examination and review; they can also strengthen the accreditation process undertaken by professional and statutory bodies. Benchmark information can be used by institutions, as part of their programme approval process, to set degree standards. The standards should be developed by the dental academic community through formal groups of experts