The paper addresses application of new educational technologies to dental education. Noted is technology's ability to create an electronic curriculum that uses images and text to advance problem-solving and problem-based learning. Information technology provides a risk-free (i.e., patient-free) environment for dental students to test decisions.…

Although it is not clear how important undergraduate professional education is in final practice behavior of the health professional, it is probable that graduates of problem-based curricula will be more effective continuing learners and therefore better practitioners because of a more positive feeling about learning and acquisition of…

Although computer-based resources are appealing, there is little evidence that they are superior to less expensive traditional educational technologies in medical and dental education, and their introduction will be slow until we learn to benefit from them. However, the communications aspects of technology may be much more important and should be…

A study of 720 dental students in 8 cohorts participating in a problem-oriented dental ethics curriculum over 4 years found that, in 7 of the cohorts, the instruction had a significant effect on students' moral reasoning, in comparison with 265 nonparticipants. In addition, the students valued the instruction. (MSE)

The last decade has shown a steady increase in the introduction of problem-based learning (PBL) in the education of health professionals. A variety of medical and dental schools have implemented PBL using different formats incorporating self-directed and small-group learning, illustrating the many options this combination of techniques offers.…

This response of the University of Southern California to the Institute of Medicine's 1995 report concerning the present status and future needs of dental education focuses on the report's influence in implementing a problem-based learning (PBL) option at USC. The PBL program's philosophy, goals, organization, faculty, admissions process, and…

Describes "authentic" problem-based learning (PBL) as a specific teaching method that addresses all the educational objectives possible with PBL: acquisition of a rich body of deeply understood knowledge; development of effective clinical problem-solving skills; and development of an insatiable curiosity and a desire for continuous learning…

Evaluation by 17 students of a case-based instructional method in 1 course of a dental hygiene baccalaureate curriculum found statistically significant student preference for the case-based format except in regard to students' preparation for written examinations. (DB)

A problem-based predoctoral dental implantology course at the University of Texas had small tutorial groups solve specific patient problems through discussion, individual research, clinical experience, and subsequent sharing of knowledge. Student reactions were enthusiastically positive and their performance exceeded faculty expectations.…

Discusses issues associated with implementation of a new problem-based dental curriculum at the University of Queensland (Australia), focusing on costs and challenges of implementation based on a 1996 survey of staff involved. The origins and rationale of the new curriculum are examined, and both direct and indirect costs are explored, with…

Describes the evolution of methods used in selecting students for the University of Southern California dental school's problem-based learning (PBL) program, discussing changes in policy based on experience over the program's three years. Comparisons are made with admission processes at some other health sciences schools around the world that are…

Discussion of issues in implementation of problem-based curricula in health professions schools lists some obstacles, offers guidelines for planning the implementation process, describes the use of the guidelines in implementation at one medical school, and outlines some essential elements for success, including administrative support, a…

Describes and assesses the University of Adelaide (Australia) dental school's problem-based learning approach and five-year curriculum, including program design, instructional modules based on clinical situations, use of student reflective journals, and course evaluation. Introduction of the new curriculum has resulted in student perceptions that…

A case-based, student-centered instructional model designed to mimic orthodontic problem solving and decision making in dental general practice is described. Small groups of students analyze case data, then record and discuss their diagnoses and treatments. Students and instructors rated the seminars positively, and students reported improved…

Describes the restructuring of clinical clerkships at the University of British Columbia (Canada) dental school as part of a new, hybrid, problem-based learning (PBL) curriculum, focusing on strategies for integrating development of psychomotor skills. Methods of achieving both horizontal and vertical integration of competencies through grouping…