Dental Anatomy and Occlusion: Mandibular Incisors-Flipped Classroom Learning Module

Area of Science:

• Dental Anatomy Education
• Medical Pedagogy

Background:

• Traditional lecture formats present challenges for detailed visual learning in dental anatomy.
• Computer-assisted flipped learning offers an alternative educational strategy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a computer-assisted flipped learning model for dental anatomy education.
• To compare student outcomes and preferences between flipped learning and traditional lectures.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a flipped classroom model involving self-paced tutorials and in-class group activities.
• Readiness assessment quizzes, whole-class reviews, and practical application scenarios.
• Laboratory exercises including tooth waxing (teeth #25 and #26).

Main Results:

• Students rated faculty using team-based learning higher than those using lectures for morphology.
• Consistent higher student scores for the flipped classroom technique over three years.
• Positive student comments indicating a preference for the flipped learning method.

Conclusions:

• Flipped classroom activities, combined with self-paced tutorials, allow learners to study dental morphology images at their own pace.
• This method addresses the limitations of fleeting images in traditional lectures.
• The approach facilitates a deeper understanding of subtle variations in tooth morphology.