Student evaluation of problem-based learning in a dental orthodontic curriculum--a pilot study.

Objective: The present questionnaire survey investigated student reception of problem-based learning (PBL) in the orthodontic curriculum with regard to acceptance, sense of purpose and motivation, knowledge and understanding, as well as tutorial support.

Methods: Over a period of two terms, we compared two different didactic methods (PBL and short presentations) by randomizing the participants of a course on orthodontic diagnostics into two different groups, who inversed methods after the first term.

Results: The two student groups did not show any significant differences with regard to assessments or examination performance. Therefore, acceptance of the PBL concept seems to be mainly associated with the motivation of individuals to use this method. The higher the motivation, the more positive is the attitude towards the PBL concept. Students seem to work more constructively and efficiently with PBL if they can judge the concept meaningful for themselves.

Conclusion: In consideration of the relevant literature and the present results, PBL can be principally integrated into the dental curriculum as a method of learning. However, student motivation is vital to learning success.