Developing competency systems: a never-ending story.

Abstract

A competency system in its whole and its parts is described. Such a system can help dental educators rationally and efficiently organize and articulate educational programs, curricula, and courses. Repeated iterations of standard setting, design of experiences, and appraisal can reduce the need for less desirable rework or remediation and rejection of the objects of the experience such as dismissing students. Such an iterative process is one in which there is constant cyclical improvement which can move a dental education organization to develop a shared vision and become a true learning organization.