Multiple Cases-Based Learning in Oral Pathology.

Area of Science:

• Dental Education
• Oral Pathology
• Medical Pedagogy

Background:

• Oral pathology presents significant learning challenges for dental students, particularly in memorizing and differentiating diseases.
• There is a need for innovative educational strategies to improve student engagement and learning outcomes in oral pathology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of multiple case-based learning (CBL) versus theoretical lectures in oral pathology.
• To assess improvements in students' understanding of oral lesion features (clinical, radiographic, histological), differential diagnosis, and final diagnosis formulation.

Main Methods:

• Dental students participated in multiple case discussions following theoretical lectures.
• Students were tasked with describing disease features, formulating differential diagnoses, and reaching final diagnoses.
• A questionnaire assessed the perceived effectiveness of multiple CBL at the academic year's end.

Main Results:

• Multiple case-based learning enhanced learning outcomes across all evaluated aspects of oral pathology.
• Students reported significant improvements in understanding, memorization, and diagnostic skills (clinical, radiographic, histological features, differential diagnosis).

Conclusions:

• Integrating multiple case-based learning into the oral pathology curriculum offers a more comprehensive and clinically relevant educational experience.
• This approach better prepares dental students for the diagnostic challenges encountered in dental practice.