Teaching to learn: Using peer-assisted learning to complement the undergraduate dental curriculum.

Area of Science:

• Dental Education
• Medical Pedagogy

Background:

• Peer-assisted learning (PAL) is increasingly used in healthcare education.
• Its efficacy in dental education requires further exploration.
• This study investigates PAL's effectiveness in undergraduate dental teaching.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the advantages and disadvantages of PAL in undergraduate dental teaching.
• To identify factors contributing to PAL's effectiveness.
• To assess the impact of PAL on student learning and satisfaction.

Main Methods:

• Third-year dental students participated in supplementary PAL sessions led by fourth-year volunteers.
• Focus groups were conducted with peer tutors and tutees.
• Qualitative data from focus groups were thematically analyzed.

Main Results:

• PAL sessions stimulated learning and built student confidence.
• Tutees and tutors reported skill development beyond core topics.
• PAL sessions were perceived as complementary to the existing curriculum.

Conclusions:

• Peer-assisted learning significantly enhances the educational experience for both dental tutees and tutors.
• PAL is a mutually beneficial and effective method for complementing undergraduate dental curricula.
• Further research with larger sample sizes and higher quality studies is recommended to confirm broader applicability.