Development and evaluation of learning module on clinical decision-making in Prosthodontics

Area of Science:

• Dental Education
• Cognitive Science
• Prosthodontics

Background:

• Critical thinking (CT) and problem-solving skills are crucial for dental students but best practices for teaching them are unclear.
• Research on the cognitive aspects of clinical decision-making in dentistry is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a blended learning module aimed at enhancing clinical decision-making skills in dental graduates.
• Focus on improving skills for planning prosthodontic rehabilitation.

Main Methods:

• Developed an interactive module with didactic lectures on clinical decision-making.
• Utilized computer-assisted, case-based treatment planning software.
• Assessed cognitive knowledge gain using problem-based multiple-choice questions and case scenarios.

Main Results:

• Significant improvement in mean test scores observed after the intervention (Pretest: 17 ± 1, Posttest 1: 21 ± 2, Posttest 2: 43 ± 3).
• One-way ANOVA revealed a statistically significant difference in scores across all three time points (P < 0.001).
• Bonferroni tests confirmed significant increases from pretest to posttest 1, and from posttest 1 to posttest 2.

Conclusions:

• Blended learning, incorporating lectures and computer-assisted learning, effectively improves clinical decision-making quality.
• This method is beneficial for dental graduates preparing for prosthodontic rehabilitation.
• The study highlights a viable strategy for enhancing essential cognitive skills in dental education.