Development and Implementation of Evidence-based Dentistry Teaching Module at Saudi Arabian University

Abstract

Aim: to describe the module followed to help undergraduate students in applying the EBD-related skills to develop an evidence-based report at Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (KAUFD). Method: The paper explains the procedures undertaken to teach the students at the last year of the dental program at KAUFD. A brief description of the module was provided, starting for the preparation and including all steps required to produce the evidence-based report to answer certain clinically relevant questions. At the end of the module, students were invited to anonymously fill out a questionnaire to evaluate the module. Responses to the questionnaire from 2015-16 and 2019-20 were summarized using descriptive statistics. Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests were used to compare the students’ responses from the two academic years at significant level of 0.05. Results: Majority of students found the module objectives and expectations clear, were satisfied with the module organization and felt that it was intellectually challenging. More than 80% of respondents stated that they are confidents in applying the EBD concept to answer any clinical question. Overall, majority of the students found the topics were clinically relevant, the assignment were useful, and deadlines were reasonable. Students were highly satisfied with their experience with the assigned tutor in regard to all evaluated aspects. Conclusion: This study supports the effectiveness of the EBD module that was incorporated into the undergraduate curriculum in improving the EBD-related knowledge and skills.