Development of Self-Regulation amongst Dental Students in Problem-based Learning Curricula: A Qualitative Study

To explore the value of problem-based learning in the development of self-regulation amongst undergraduate dental students. A qualitative approach using focus groups was used to explore the perceptions and experiences of the participants regarding the role of problem-based learning (PBL) in promoting self-regulation in undergraduate dental education. The study was carried out at a newly established dental institution in Qatar. Purposive sampling technique was used to recruit the participants. Invitations to potential participants were sent by e-mail through appropriate professional channels. All focus groups were transcribed verbatim, and data were imported into NVivo 12 and analysed thematically. A total of five focus groups were conducted with 37 participants which included 27 females and 7 males from two different cohorts. Participants expressed their views on a range of issues related to the self-regulation in problem-based learning and also provided recommendations to enhance the learning experiences of students. PBL was perceived to be an appropriate and effective strategy to support student autonomy in construction of knowledge and developing problem solving and interpersonal skills. However, the workload of the students can impact adversely on their motivation and time management skills. This study provides useful insights into the concept of self-regulation in problem-based learning environments as perceived by the stakeholders at a newly established dental institution. The findings of this study may offer clarity on how problem-based learning can be best utilised to promote self-regulation in undergraduate dental education.Open Access funding provided by the Qatar National Library

Development of professional identity among dental students - A qualitative study

The study explored dental students' perception of their professional identity (PI) development at a newly established dental college with a problem-based learning (PBL) curriculum. Qualitative methods based on focus groups were used for data collection. The conceptual framework of the study was informed by a subject-centered sociocultural approach to PI development. Purposive sampling was used to collect data from five focus groups of undergraduate dental students to gain a deeper understanding of their PI development in a PBL environment. Out of a total of 38 dental students in years 2 and 3, 34 students (89.47%) participated in the focus groups. A theory-driven thematic analysis was used to dissect the views and experiences of the participants to explore factors contributing to PI development in the early years of the program. At an individual level, PBL was seen to be appropriate for PI development. However, some participants placed more emphasis on practical training in operative dental skills. Relational sources especially role modeling by the PBL facilitators and faculty staff were identified as a key factor to nurture PI development. Mixed views were observed on the value of PBL to enhance team-working skills. The participants also identified challenges of PBL and provided recommendations on further improvements to enhance the learning experiences of the students. This study provided useful insights into a PBL curriculum at a newly established dental institution. The findings underscore the value of PBL in developing PI and also highlight the challenges of implementing PBL in a socio-cultural context and pedagogical implications for further program improvement.The authors would like to thank all the student participants for their contribution to this research. Open access funding was provided by the Qatar National Library

LOW-LEVEL LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY IN DIABETIC PATIENTS A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED CLINICAL TRIAL - PILOT STUDY

Objectives We aimed to evaluate the effects of low-level laser therapy as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy in patients with periodontitis and compare the effect on periodontal healing in diabetes mellitus and non-diabetes mellitus patients. Methodology Ten patients with periodontitis stage II grade B were divided into two groups; Group 1 included 5 non-diabetes mellitus patients with periodontitis, and Group 2 included 5 type-2 diabetes mellitus patients with periodontitis. A 13 mW low-level laser was used in a continuous wave and non-contact mode as an adjunct to scaling and root planning (SRP) in a split-mouth study design “OPTODAN” (Scientific Development and Production Center, Saratov, Russia). The clinical parameters; plaque and gingival index, probing depth, and relative clinical attachment level of the test and control sides of both groups were analyzed at baseline and 1-month post-therapy. Visual analogue scale was used to determine patient discomfort intraoperatively and after 1 week. Results Statistically, significant improvement was evident in the gingival index, probing depth, and relative clinical attachment level when comparing test and control sides in all patients 1-month post-therapy. There was improvement in gingival index amongst type-2 diabetes mellitus patients in the test group. However, non-diabetes mellitus patients demonstrated superior results especially in probing depth and relative clinical attachment level. Conclusion The use of low-level laser therapy as an adjunct in periodontal therapy showed overall improvement in gingival inflammation, probing depth, and clinical attachment level. In comparison to non-diabetes mellitus patients, type-2 diabetes mellitus patients demonstrated significant improvement in gingival inflammation with low-level laser therapy