U N I V E R S I T Y  O F  P I T T S B U R G H

 A newsletter devoted to the support of teaching and learning at the University of Pittsburgh 

Interactive Features for “Computing in Dentistry”

Humberto Torres-Urquidy, post grad-student (left), and Titus Schleyer

Photo by Patty Nagle, CIDDE

The American Dental Association reports that over 85 percent of dentists in the United States currently use computers in their practices. But, according to Titus Schleyer, School of Dental Medicine faculty and director of the recently established Center for Dental Informatics, very few dental schools provide sufficient instruction in areas involving technology. Schleyer’s grant project, Interactive Features for “Computing in Dentistry,” strives to eliminate this “information deficit on the part of dentists and other people associated with dentistry” by creating a hybrid software application and online textbook designed to enhance two of the school’s courses that are part of a newly developed curriculum for information technology and informatics.

A multi-purpose, comprehensive course, the project includes features such as interactive simulations and self-assessments, offering students smaller, hands-on sessions. “With computers, probably more than in any other area, students come in with varying knowledge levels,” says Schleyer. He notes that the project addresses differences in computer literacy by creating an interactive learning environment which meets students’ instructional needs. “Novices can learn the details and the experts can do only the self-evaluations and then review areas of weakness,” explains Schleyer.

Schleyer hopes that the project also “will serve as a catalyst for increased technology adoption for teaching by the School of Dental Medicine faculty.” The project has generated outside interest as well, and Schleyer hopes that faculty in other dental schools will adopt the resource to increase their own use of technology. “I think this whole venture has the potential to have a big impact in terms of dentists using more information technology,” he says, “and I’m a person who likes to make a big impact.” In the curriculum, Schleyer believes that the project can contribute to improved patient care as a “more flexible, more efficient way of instructing people, and enabling them to use digital technologies for diagnosis and treatment.”

A newsletter devoted to the support of teaching and learning at the University of Pittsburgh

Center for Instructional Development & Distance Education
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