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


METHODS
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).


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Bedi
Raman
R
Eastman Dental Institute, London, UK.
Champion
Jackie A
JA
Davies
Roger
R
D017742:Dental Care for Chronically Ill / Q000379:methods; D004499:Education, Dental, Graduate / Q000379:methods*; D004827:Epilepsy; D006801:Humans; D008611:Mentors; D018794:Problem-Based Learning; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires