[Comparative analysis of learning effect for students who experienced both lecture-based learning and problem-based learning in a complete denture course].

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the difference in educational effect on students who experienced both lecture-based learning (LBL) and problem-based learning (PBL) in a complete denture course. The analysis focused on differences between the two methods concerning self study, ability to understand clinical inference, and appraisal of class contents and tutors. METHODS: In the complete denture preclinical course, the class of 2003 received LBL in 3rd grade and PBL in 4th grade. PBL was planned to present five cases in five consecutive classes. Group discussion was carried out for each case, and a summary was required to be produced two times as a group, two times as an individual report and one time by group presentation. A questionnaire regarding the educational effect of LBL and PBL and assessment of tutors was administered. Factor analysis was carried out to classify the questionnaire items and each item was analyzed between LBL and PBL (Paired-t test). RESULTS: Factor analysis revealed that the questionnaire items could be classified into four components. Comparing lecture type and PBL: "study attitude" (4 out of 7 items), "clinical inference ability" (all items), "class contents" (5 out of 7 items) and "tutor appraisal" (2 out of 5 items) showed significant assessment with PBL. Eighteen of 27 items (66.6%) indicated the significant usefulness of PBL. CONCLUSION: PBL improves the educational effect of self study and clinical inference ability, in comparison with LBL. However, since students are passive about taking the same system class repeatedly, a strategy to improve their attitude needs to be considered.

Randomized controlled clinical trial on satisfaction with resilient denture liners among edentulous patients.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to measure patients' satisfaction and their preference between mandibular dentures with permanent silicone-based resilient denture liner (SR) and conventional heat-activated acrylic resin (AR), both opposed by acrylic resin-based maxillary complete dentures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight edentulous patients who had fulfilled selection criteria and provided informed consent were enrolled in this trial. Subjects were allocated randomly to either arm of cross-over groups (AR-SR/SR-AR), stratified by gender, using a random permuted block within the strata method. The AR-SR group received AR denture treatment followed by SR denture treatment. The SR-AR group received treatment in the reverse sequence. The primary outcome was patient satisfaction measured on 100-mm VAS, analyzed by two-way ANOVA and the Bonferroni multiple comparison as a post hoc test. The secondary outcome was patients' preference, evaluated by chi-square goodness-of-fit test. An intention-to-treat analysis was performed. RESULTS: Twenty-five subjects were enrolled in the analysis. There were no significant differences between AR and SR dentures 1, 2, and 3 months after the completion of control. Eighteen of 25 patients preferred SR dentures. CONCLUSION: Although there were no significant differences in patient satisfaction ratings between the two types of dentures, a significant majority of patients preferred those with a resilient denture liner.