Comprehensive Case Discussion in Dental Curriculum?A Review
Author(s): Devyani Taori*, Pallavi Diagavane and Priyanka Niranjane
Abstract
Discussions are excellent strategy to enhance students’ motivation. When discussions are carried in a comprehensive or an integrated manner it will sharpen a number of skills of a student considering different points of view. This type of discussions should be introduced in dental curriculum as the principal skills (which are to listen, to respond and to explain) that will be better manifested among the students. The usage of modern technologies such as buzz groups, time to think, and syndicates boost students to discuss among themselves and improve knowledge and understanding. Various newer learning methods have replaced traditional teaching learning methods due to limitations of conventional methods. In developing countries, due to high prevalence of illness and disease, oral physicians are required to provide top quality dental care without compromising general health of patients. All over the world, medical educationists recognise the need for comprehensive medical training or in an integrated manner. The aim of comprehension/integration is to increase the efficacy and efficiency of teaching learning process. In 1997, the medical council of India strongly commended comprehension/integration in undergraduate medical training. Comprehensive learning is best accomplished by a planned unit consisting of learning objectives, alternative teaching learning methods and media, evaluation plan, time table and list of learning resources. So by constructing a structured plan contradictory concepts and opinions could be minimised and irrelevant areas also get eliminated initially at the planning stage. Therefore there is a need to upgrade and modify the teaching learning pattern in the dental and medical curriculum so that it will help them to succeed as an independent clinician.