The introduction of team-based learning into the clinical pharmacology section of the endodontics clinical course.

Abstract

Team-based learning (TBL) has been widely applied and evaluated to produce better student outcomes. TBL has been introduced into the clinical pharmacology section of the endodontics clinical course at the School of Stomatology, Wuhan University since 2021. Here, the teaching experience in this course was summarized. The TBL course consisted of a knowledge assignment, intrateam and interteam discussion, practicing, evaluation, cases discussion and examination. The topics of the TBL class included cavity preparation and filling for treatment of dental caries, disinfection, and shaping and filling of root canal for root canal therapy. A total of 64 students participated in the TBL course. The students completed course work and hands-on practice to the satisfaction of the instructor. Furthermore, most participants held positive attitudes toward the TBL course because TBL provided the opportunity for teamwork to enable them to acquire and understand the therapeutic drug and material more quickly and made them more confident in the following practice. Our experience suggested that the application of the TBL contributed to the authentic practice of the endodontics clinical course.