title: Impacts of problem-based professionalism course in dental education.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study explores the effects of a professionalism course based on problem-based learning (PBL) for 2nd year dental students on professional role concept and on ethical reasoning. It also investigates students' attitudes toward professionalism development program.
  
  
  METHODS
  The experimental group (n=36) participated in the 5-week professionalism course, which uses PBL approach while the control group (n=89) did not receive the professionalism instruction during the same period. The professionalism development program was implemented via discussions among students in small-group tutorial. Four professors, who served as group facilitators participated in faculty seminars before every tutorial. After each tutorial, students had to write essays on the cases they discussed in their groups. Both groups completed Professional Role Orientation Inventory and Defining Issue Test (KDIT) prior to and post intervention period. The experimental group also responded to questionnaires about the value of professionalism program.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Analysis of covariance indicated that the experimental group's responsibility score significantly improved (F=32.552, p<0.001) while their perception of agency decreased (F=29.510, p<0.001). The program had little influence on ethical reasoning measured by DIT. Twenty-eight students (78%) responded that they learned the value of other opinions. Seventy percent of the students responded that the course is worthwhile or very worthwhile.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The result reveals that students' professional role concept is associated with the learning experience in professionalism program based on PBL. Opportunities to think of professionalism in clinical situations improved students' sense of responsibility as dentist.
authors: Center for Educational Development in Dentistry, Seoul National University School of Dentistry, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Young A
authors: YA
authors: Ji
authors: Faculty of Educational and Social Work, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
authors: Min Kang
authors: MK
authors: Kim
authors: Department of Pathology, Seoul National University School of Dentistry, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Jae Il
authors: JI
authors: Lee
keywords: Dental education; Dental ethics; Problem-based learning; Professional competence