PROBLEM BASED LEARNING

DENTAL INTERNS’ PERCEPTION OF PROBLEM BASED LEARNING IN ORTHODONTIC MEDICAL EDUCATION ON CASE PLANNING

Abstract

Introduction: The research for finding the most effective teaching method
is still on. The aim of current study was to find out the perceptions of dental interns after a
problem based learning (PBL) sessions on a topic of orthodontic case planning. Study Design:
Experimental, Quasi study. Setting: Orthodontic Dental Section, Faisalabad Medical University.
Period: 15.8.2017 to 5.2.2018. Materials & Methods: Thirty two dental interns were selected
at Orthodontic Dental Section, Faisalabad Medical University. On initial case planning sessions,
baseline theoretical knowledge was provided on the topic of ‘Premolar extractions’. In between
the sessions dental interns were asked to answer five multiple choice questions relative to one
orthodontic case (OPG, Lateral cephalograms, Photographs) they were given. On a final case
planning sessions, orthodontic case discussion case took place with an expert orthodontist,
at the end of which dental interns were asked to rate their experiences about PBL session
by filling questionnaire anonymously. Results: Results showed that dental interns perceived
PBL to stimulate their attentiveness, interest, and interactivity with fellow interns, motivation for
additional case study and learning efficacy. Conclusion: Perceptions of dental interns were
positive after a problem based learning attempt on a topic of orthodontic case planning.