Introducing problem-based learning to special needs dentistry--a case study.

Full Abstract

INTRODUCTION:
In order to promote training and education in special-needs dentistry an attempt was made to introduce problem-based learning (PBL) as a method of postgraduate dental education. The aim of this paper was to review the principles of PBL and report on a case study using this methodology.

METHOD:
The case study was of a PBL session, on the subject of 'problems of obtaining appropriate dental care for people with epilepsy', undertaken at a national conference. Delegates were asked to complete a pre- and post-session questionnaire on PBL and their attitudes to the session.

RESULTS:
The session received a mixed response. Only 33 (35%) thought the session was valuable and only 20 (31%) thought it was better than conventional teaching methods and yet over half (55%) said they would like to attend more PBL in special-needs dentistry. Professionals complementary to dentistry were more likely to find the PBL session of value and to prefer the method to a more conventional format than dentists were (chi-square = 5.5, df = 1, p < 0.05 and chi-square = 5.9, df = 1, p < 0.05 respectively).

CONCLUSION:
Valuable feedback was received from delegates. This will enable improvements to be made in future courses so that the effectiveness of PBL can be optimised.

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Author information

Author/s: Bedi, Raman (R); Champion, Jackie A (JA); Davies, Roger (R);

Affiliation: Eastman Dental Institute, London, UK.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Primary dental care : journal of the Faculty of General Dental Practitioners (UK) (Prim Dent Care), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2002-Jan; vol 9 (issue 1) : pp 9-13

Dates: Created 2002/03/20; Completed 2002/06/18; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 11901791, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Dental Care for Chronically Ill - methods
Education, Dental, Graduate - methods
Epilepsy
Humans

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