Implementation of a Dental Biomaterials Clinical Problem-based Course to Advance DMD Student's Learning on Mechanical Properties

Translating the fundamental concepts of biomaterials mechanical properties (strength) in clinicaldentistry is highly relevant in educating dental students. However, most dental schools in the USteach these properties utilizing passive lecture format instead of engaging students in activelearning and clinical problem-based strategies. The utilization of the lecture format leads to a lowerdepth of student thinking and lacks sufficient laboratorial practice to educate students on clinicaldental materials problems and their respective material strength. An active learning approachallowing students to connect clinical-based problems related to mechanical properties concepts,along with mechanical testing of samples made of current dental biomaterials, is not a pervasivepractice in dental education. Therefore, this application seeks to design and implement a dentalbiomaterials course in the DMD curriculum utilizing clinical problems and active learning tosupplement student's deficiencies in dental biomaterials strength related to intra-oral performanceof fillings (restorations). This proposed instructional approach shall begin in the first-year course,8120 Dental Care Foundations 1, and vertically extend throughout the DMD curriculum.

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