Introduction:The role of small-group facilitators is of pivotal importance for the success of curricula based on active learning. Disorganised tutorial processes and superficial study of the problem have been identified as main hindering factors for students' learning. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of consistency of facilitation on students' performance in knowledge-based basic science assessments in a hybrid, enquiry-based (EBL) undergraduate dental curriculum.
Materials and methods:This was a retrospective study of 519 first-and second-year undergraduate dental students, enrolled at Peninsula Dental School between 2013 and 2018. Twice in each academic year, students sat a 60-item single-best-answer, multiple-choice examination. Percentage and Z-scores were compared between students whose EBL groups had the same facilitator throughout the academic year, and those whose EBL group was facilitated by different members of staff. All EBL facilitators were dentally qualified but with different levels of expertise in basic dental sciences, prior EBL facilitation, involvement in the curriculum design and university affiliation.Results: No statistically significant difference was observed in the percentage or Z-scores of students whose EBL sessions were supported by consistent or variable facilitators in any of the 18 MCQ tests. Z-scores of first-year students were more variable than for second-year students. In addition, pairwise comparisons revealed no statistically significant differences in students' Z-scores between any of the permanent facilitators' groups.
Conclusions:The results of our study may influence the design and delivery of enquiry-based curricula as well as human resources management by shifting the focus from maintaining facilitator consistency to ensuring comparable training and approaches across facilitators.
K E Y W O R D Sbasic dental science, enquiry-based learning, facilitators
Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of dentist-prescribed, home-applied tooth whitening agents Data sources Medline 1989±1999 inclusive Study selection Placebo controlled clinical trials of 10% carbamide peroxide using a custom-fitted tray, which reported efficacy using a change in shade guide units were included. Data extraction and synthesis Shade guide unit change was evaluated to reflect efficacy, and both gingival and plaque indices to reflect safety. All 3 were analysed for the significance of 4 variables: treatment group, daily application time, the duration of treatment, and brand of bleach were examined. Number needed to treat was calculated. Results 28 trials evaluated tooth bleaching, 20 of which were dentists-prescribed, and patient applied agents. 7 met all the criteria. The data indicated that home-applied agents using a 10% carbamide peroxide gel delivered in a custom-fitted tray whitened teeth significantly, when compared to a placebo control. Conclusions Within the caveats discussed in the paper, the results indicate that, on average, dentist-prescribed, home-applied tooth whitening will whiten teeth 2 shade guide steps for six months, and neither adversely nor beneficially affect the gingiva or plaque.
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