Learning Objectives: 

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Explain the purpose and advantages of OSCEs in assessing dental hygiene student competence.
2. Identify key steps in designing OSCE stations that align with program learning outcomes and CODA standards.
3. Develop clear student instructions, standardized patient scripts, and examiner scoring tools for OSCE stations.
4. Apply best practices in examiner calibration and scoring to enhance validity and reliability of OSCE assessments.
5. Construct a draft OSCE station, including objectives, case scenario, and evaluation rubric, for use in their own program.

The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is a cornerstone in health professions education, offering a reliable and student-centered method for assessing clinical competence. This interactive 2-hour course will guide dental hygiene educators through the process of creating, implementing, and refining OSCEs that are valid, fair, and aligned with CODA standards. Participants will explore strategies for blueprinting exams, writing station objectives, developing realistic scenarios, and designing scoring rubrics. Through hands-on activities and case-based discussions, attendees will leave equipped with practical tools and templates to integrate OSCEs into their curriculum immediately.