The implementation of a flipped classroom approach at a UK dental school

Integrating hands-on practical and reflective feedback in teaching dental materials science to undergraduate dental students

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to develop a module that incorporates hands-on and reflective feedback in teaching dental materials science and subsequently analyse undergraduate dental students' learning experiences with the module.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The module was developed based on the ADDIE (Analyse, Design, Develop, Implement, Evaluate) model. First, a need analysis was conducted, followed by designing the module to address the needs. Next, the module sought experts' feedback and was piloted. The revised module was implemented among all second-year undergraduate dental students. Finally, a validated questionnaire (5-point Likert scale items and open-ended questions) was used to evaluate students' learning experiences. The questionnaire Likert scale items were analysed descriptively, whereas open-ended responses were analysed using content analysis.

RESULTS

In the analysis phase, a slight misalignment in cognitive competency levels was observed, alongside a need for the inclusion of more hands-on activities. In the design phase, learning objectives and resources were listed. Subsequently, a module consisting of four teaching sessions (3 h each) was developed, and the pilot test showed favourable feedback. The module was then implemented in small groups of 10-12 students. In the evaluation phase, 72 students (97% response rate) completed the questionnaire. The majority of students agreed with all items, with mean scores ranging from 4.53 to 4.72. Open-ended responses highlighted that hands-on activities and reflective feedback sessions were useful.

CONCLUSION

Students demonstrated positive learning experiences after participating in the module, advocating for dental educators to consider more hands-on activities and reflective feedback sessions in teaching dental materials science.

Developing and assessing the use of demonstration videos in the preclinical simulation laboratory

PURPOSE

This study aims to report the development of a preclinical simulation laboratory Demonstration Video Series (DVS) for the 2021-2022 academic year, measure its usage and usefulness, and compare these findings to the usage and usefulness of the existing didactic lecture videos.

METHODS

The DVS videos were intended to be viewed before each preclinical simulation laboratory session along with the pre-existing didactic lectures (DL) by University of California San Francisco (UCSF) learners. Usage measurements included the percentage of the class that viewed each video, the number of views that each video received, and the average duration of each video that was watched. Usefulness of the videos was measured by a survey that assessed learner perspective on knowledge and ability to apply that knowledge during the simulation lab exercises. Both usage and usefulness of the DVS were then compared to the usage and usefulness of the DL. Both descriptive statistics and independent sample hypothesis tests were performed to compare the differences in proportion between DVS and DL mediums.

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences were found in terms of both usage and usefulness of the DVS compared to the DL, with DVS being utilized more overall. With an 81% response rate, survey analysis revealed statistically significant differences among the learners' perspectives on the usefulness of the DVS compared to the DL, with a clear preference for the DVS over the DL and an overwhelmingly positive perception of the DVS.

CONCLUSION

The DVS was found to be a valuable addition to the preclinical laboratory sessions for first-year learners.

Curriculum mapping of a dental materials science course: a reality check and way forward

BACKGROUND

Dental materials science is an important subject, but research on curriculum mapping in preclinical dental materials science courses is still scarce. The present study aimed to conduct a curriculum mapping in analysing elements and suggesting recommendations for an institutional dental materials science course.

METHODS

Curriculum mapping was conducted for the Year 2 undergraduate dental materials science course (Bachelor of Dental Surgery programme) in a Malaysian dental school. Based on Harden's framework, the following steps were used to map the curriculum of the institutional dental materials science course: (1) scoping the task; (2) deciding the mapping format; (3) populating the windows, and (4) establishing the links. Two analysts reviewed the curriculum independently. Their respective analyses were compared, and discrepancies were discussed until reaching a consensus. A SWOT analysis was also conducted to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with the curriculum.

RESULTS

Course learning outcomes, course contents, levels of cognitive and psychomotor competencies, learning opportunities, learning resources, learning locations, assessments, timetable, staff, curriculum management and students' information were successfully scoped from the institutional dental materials science course. The present curriculum's strengths included comprehensiveness, alignment with standards, adequate learning opportunities, well-defined assessment methods, and sufficient learning resources. However, the identified weaknesses were repetition in curriculum content, limited emphasis on the psychomotor domain, dependency on a single academic staff, and limited integration of technology. The SWOT analysis highlighted the opportunities for curriculum improvement, such as revising repetitive content, emphasising the psychomotor domain, and incorporating advanced teaching strategies and technology.

CONCLUSIONS

The present dental materials science curriculum demonstrated several strengths with some areas for improvement. The findings suggested the need to revise and optimise the course content to address gaps and enhance student learning outcomes. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation are necessary to ensure the curriculum remains aligned with emerging trends and advancements in dental materials science.

A phenomenological study on East and Southeast Asian dental educators: perceived importance, challenges, and strategies in teaching dental materials science

BACKGROUND

Effective teaching of dental materials science is crucial for dental students to develop a comprehensive understanding of materials used in clinical practice. However, literature on educators' views on teaching this subject is still scarce. This qualitative study aimed to explore the lived experiences of dental educators in teaching dental materials science subjects, thereby addressing potential gaps and enhancing teaching practices.

METHODS

Thirteen dental educators from East and Southeast Asian countries (Malaysia, China, Indonesia, Thailand, South Korea, and Japan) participated in the present study. The present study adopted a transcendental phenomenological approach. One-to-one semi-structured online interviews were conducted. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was employed to identify patterns in the educators' experiences.

RESULTS

Three themes emerged from the present study. First, perceptions of the importance of dental materials science, highlighting its relevance in clinical practice, patient care, and lifelong learning. Second, the challenges faced in teaching dental materials science include limited instructional time, complex content, and insufficient resources. Third, specific strategies, such as applying interactive teaching methods, integrating clinical scenarios, and promoting critical thinking skills have been suggested to enhance teaching and learning.

CONCLUSION

Understanding dental educators' experiences can improve dental materials science education, curriculum development, teaching methods, and faculty training programmes, ultimately enhancing the knowledge and skills of dental students in this field.

Innovative Pedagogical Strategies in Health Professions Education: Active Learning in Dental Materials Science

Dental materials science education is frequently delivered via traditional didactic lectures in preclinical dental programs. This review aimed to appraise the current evidence on innovative pedagogical strategies in teaching dental materials science courses. English-language articles on teaching methods for dental materials science published between January 1990 to October 2022 were searched in nine online databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science [WoS], Science Direct, Cochrane Library, EBSCO, LILACS, Open Grey, and EMBASE) according to PRISMA guidelines. The risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the Cochrane RoB-2 and ROBIN-I tools, whereas the level of evidence was determined based on the OCEBM guidelines. Only 12 primary studies were included. Two randomized studies (RCTs) were deemed as being of "some concern", and one showed a high risk of bias (RoB). Three non-randomized controlled studies (NRS) demonstrated a moderate RoB, whereas the remaining seven were low. Most studies were ranked at Levels 2 and 3 of evidence. Several innovative pedagogical strategies were identified: flipped classrooms, clinical-based learning, computer-assisted learning, group discussion, microteaching with the BOPPPS (bridge-in, learning objective, pre-test, participatory learning, post-test, and summary) model, and game-based learning. The evidence suggested that students generally showed positive perceptions toward these pedagogical strategies. Dental educators should revise their current undergraduate dental materials science curricula and integrate more effective teaching methods.

Quantitative Analysis of the Acceptance and Learning Success Instead of Flipped Classroom Teaching in a Caries Diagnosis Course for Undergraduate Students

This pilot study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a flipped classroom for undergraduate students in dentistry. The main objective was to compare the knowledge level of students before and after lectures and practice. All second-year dental students (n = 44) at Witten/Herdecke University participated in this pilot study. They took four knowledge assessments, i.e., T0: the baseline, T2a: after the online lecture (two weeks after T0), T2b: immediately after the face-to-face session, and T3: after the practical session (three weeks after T2). The students’ satisfaction and self-assessment of their abilities were determined immediately after the practical session in an anonymous online questionnaire using LimeSurvey. To assess the level of knowledge, we used the Friedman and Wilcoxon-signed-rank tests with the Bonferroni correction to analyze the correct answer by comparing the results from different sessions. The students’ satisfaction and self-assessment of their abilities were determined descriptively, presenting the mean and standard deviation. A significance level of $p$  ≤ 0.05 was applied. Data from thirty-nine students regarding the level of knowledge were analyzed. There were statistically significant differences in the level of knowledge of the students at different times ( $p$  = 0.001). A total of 19.5% of students reported a problem with the flipped classroom method, and 80.5% reported no problem with this educational method. Ninety-four percent of students would like further flipped classrooms in dental education. Within the limitations of this pilot study, the results suggest that dental students benefit from the flipped classroom method and that this mode of education can be effective in introducing caries diagnosis education for undergraduate students.