Evaluation of clinical relevance of a problem-orientated head and neck module

Current trends in medical education focus on outcomes-based learning as a means to facilitate student learning. The aim of this study was to evaluate a clinically applied module in head and neck anatomy for third-year dental students. The module linked clinical examination, regional dental blocks simulated on cadaver specimens, radiographic images and clinical case scenarios. A Likert-type questionnaire, completed by all students (n = 49), was used to evaluate student perceptions of this module objectively. The results indicate that an average number of students found that clinical examination received sufficient time (mean: 2.98) during the module, while a substantial number of students agreed that the integration of dental procedures stimulated them to study specific regional anatomy (mean: 3.82) and increased their interest in their future careers as dentists (mean: 4.04). The radiographs improved their understanding of anatomy (mean: 3.41) while the clinical case studies were a positive learning experience (mean: 3.10). The majority of students (mean: 4.12) felt that they were continuously made aware that they were studying appropriate matter for their future work as dentists. It seems evident that the integration of clinically relevant content facilitates and encourages the understanding of anatomy.