Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

Problem-based learning: effects on standard outcomes.

Srinivas M Susarla1, Nancy Medina-Martinez, T Howard Howell

  • 1Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA 02115-5750, USA.

Journal of Dental Education
|October 2, 2003
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Discussion: Principles and Techniques to Reduce the Incidence of Fistula: A Review of over 1000 Cleft Palate Repairs by a Single Surgeon.

Plastic and reconstructive surgery·2026
Same author

Reconstruction of Fistulas Following Cleft Palate Repair.

Oral and maxillofacial surgery clinics of North America·2026
Same author

Orthognathic Surgery for Cleft-Related Maxillomandibular Discrepancies.

Oral and maxillofacial surgery clinics of North America·2026
Same author

Management of Cleft Lip and Palate.

Oral and maxillofacial surgery clinics of North America·2026
Same author

Discussion: Demystifying Maxillomandibular Fibrous Dysplasia and Its Impact on Dental Development.

Plastic and reconstructive surgery·2026
Same author

Using Digital Implant Planning in Assessing Outcomes of Maxillary Sinus Augmentation Procedures: A Retrospective Study.

Compendium of continuing education in dentistry (Jamesburg, N.J. : 1995)·2025
Same journal

Redefining Graduation Competency for Clinical Skills Assessment: A Conceptual Proposal Originating From Periodontal Education.

Journal of dental education·2026
Same journal

Entrustment and Practice Readiness: Learner Experiences With Implementing Longitudinal Assessment Using Entrustable Professional Activities.

Journal of dental education·2026
Same journal

Smile beyond Borders: Gender, Academic Level, and Contextual Cross-Cultural Smile Self-Perception among Preclinical and Clinical Dental Students.

Journal of dental education·2026
Same journal

Impact of AI-Generated Feedback on Dental Student Performance in Preclinical Prosthodontics Education.

Journal of dental education·2026
Same journal

An Exploratory Comparative Analysis of Mixed Reality Simulation Versus 3D-Printed Models for Undergraduate Training in Third Molar Removal.

Journal of dental education·2026
Same journal

Preparing for Evolving Roles: Variation in Dental Hygiene and Therapy Practice.

Journal of dental education·2026
See all related articles

Problem-based learning (PBL) and a shorter dental program length improved National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) Part I scores, graduation rates, and postdoctoral training entry at HSDM. PBL alone boosted NBDE Part I scores.

Area of Science:

  • Dental Education
  • Curriculum Development
  • Medical Pedagogy

Background:

  • Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) integrated Problem-Based Learning (PBL) into its curriculum in 1994.
  • The curriculum transition also involved a shift from a five-year to a four-year program length.
  • Prior to 1994, HSDM courses were lecture-based, while Harvard Medical School (HMS) introduced PBL in 1987.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of PBL implementation and program length on dental education outcomes.
  • To assess the effect on National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) Part I scores.
  • To analyze changes in attrition rates, graduation rates, and postdoctoral training program entry.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of outcomes data from 1980 to 2002.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Univariate and bivariate linear regression analyses were used to assess the relationship between PBL, program length, and outcomes.
  • Key outcome measures included NBDE Part I scores, attrition, graduation, and postdoctoral placement.

    • Main Results:

    • PBL implementation significantly affected NBDE Part I scores, graduation rates, attrition rates, and postdoctoral program entry.
    • Changes in program length also influenced graduation rates, attrition, and postdoctoral program entry.
    • PBL was specifically linked to increased NBDE Part I scores.

    Conclusions:

    • The combined implementation of PBL and a reduced program length was successful across all measured outcomes at HSDM.
    • PBL alone demonstrated a positive effect on NBDE Part I scores for dental graduates.
    • The findings support the efficacy of PBL in enhancing dental education outcomes.