Making the most of teaching at the chairside

This study examines the chairside as an opportunity for teaching and learning. It sets out to understand how students learn in the dental clinic so that they can better be supported in their clinical learning. The study draws on current theories of learning to establish a rationale for effective chairside teaching. Current theories highlight the active role of learners in 'constructing' their own knowledge of a field, and emphasise the importance of active learning and reflection in this process. The study is practical in nature. It weaves evidence from empirical studies of medical and dental clinical teaching, as well as 'best practice tips' from the literature, with theory to suggest a strategy for effective teaching in the clinical context. The study concludes with a caveat, warning that effective clinical teaching requires an investment in time.