Claves para el diagnóstico diferencial del dolor odontogénico mediante un soporte audiovisual: metodologías alternativas de aprendizaje

Abstract

BackgroundDentists play a fundamental role in the diagnosis and treatment of orofacial pain, especially in pain of pulp or periodontal (odontogenic) origin. In the case of pain usually classified as chronic (non-odontogenic), a high percentage of dental students feel “not at all” or “somewhat” prepared to carry out a diagnosis and treatment. ObjectiveTo propose a brief guide to clinically differentiate odontogenic pain from orofacial pain, which is clinically useful for both dental students and professionals. Material and methodAn educational video was developed to support teaching within a teaching innovation project at the University of Valencia entitled “Orofacial Pain for Dentistry Degree Students: Acute Pain Versus Chronic Pain” (UV-SFPIE_PID-1640062. Reference No.: 64155). Eleven fundamental characteristics of odontogenic pain and another 11 of non-odontogenic pain were established, which are intended to serve as guidelines for the diagnosis in situations in which the pain does not present the usual characteristics. ResultsThe video was well accepted among students and it was understood to be an attractive learning tool that enhances motivation and the acquisition of responsibilities. 75.3% considered it to be “very interesting”, giving it the highest score. ConclusionAccording to the data currently available in the scientific literature regarding the characteristics of atypical facial pain, we believe that the guidelines provided in this project may be useful in the diagnosis of these processes.