Publication: Evaluating the Impact and Feasibility of Case-Based Learning in Enhancing Histopathology Education among Dental Students
Date
2025
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
Oral pathology specialty focuses on the diagnosis and management of oral and
maxillofacial pathologies with an extensive study on histopathology. Teaching and
learning histopathology have always been a challenge both for the students and the
teachers. The students usually get deviated when they face difficulty to integrate
clinical and histopathological findings.
Objective
A need for an intervention to bridge the gap was realized and a study to assess the
impact and feasibility of case-based learning among dental students was planned.
Method
A cross-sectional study was conducted introducing case-based learning in practical
classes of oral pathology among 58 undergraduate dental students. Thirty students
were randomly selected for case-based learning group and the remaining as control
group. Multiple paper-based cases of oral cancer were designed. A self-designed
pre and post-test along with a post-intervention assessment using modified essay
questions were designed and applied.
Result
Significant differences in the scores between pre- and post-intervention
questionnaires were observed within the case-based learning group (p < 0.0001),
however not among the control. Similarly, a significant difference in the modified
essay question scores was also observed between the study groups. Most of the
study participants agreed that it benefitted their personal, professional as well as
communication skills. The students expressed strong enthusiasm for learning with
case-based learning.
Conclusion
Case-based learning is an effective method and practiced in a multidisciplinary
context. Regular practice of case-based learning can create an interactive learning
environment, wherein active participation of the students is promoted. Moreover,
this approach can help students to integrate clinical with pathological findings for
proper management of the patients.
KEY WORDS
Case-based learning, Learning environment, Oral pathology
Description
Shrestha A,1 Shrestha S,2 Keshwar S,1 Raut T,1 Rimal J3
1Department of Oral Pathology
2Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics
3Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology
BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences
Dharan, Nepal
Keywords
Case-based learning, Learning environment, Oral pathology