Effectiveness and Perceptions of Flipped Learning Model in Dental Education: A Systematic Review.

When educators adopt flipped learning in their courses, online sources are assigned for students to study prior to class, and then the class period is devoted to face-to-face (F2F) interactions. The aims of this systematic review were to evaluate published research on the effectiveness of flipped learning for dental students' learning and on dental students' perceptions of the model and to report the results based on the first two phases of Kirkpatrick's model: reaction and learning. A systematic review based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) was performed. Articles in which the objective was to determine the effectiveness of students' learning or students' perceptions of flipped learning in both dental and advanced dental education were collected. The Risk of Bias of the included studies was assessed using the MINORS Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) Summary of Findings table. The authors screened the title and abstract of 650 studies; after application of inclusion criteria, eight articles remained for analysis. In those studies, a total of 572 dental students were participants. The effectiveness of flipped learning and conventional lectures was compared in five of the eight studies; three of the studies compared students' perceptions of flipped learning and the conventional format; and four of the studies assessed students' perceptions of flipped learning without comparison to another methodology. The findings suggest that flipped learning was an effective way to deliver knowledge in these eight studies. Time flexibility was a particular asset found in this review since flipped learning allowed each student to assimilate the educational material at her or his own pace.

Canadian orthodontist Internet user profile.

An anonymous, self-administered, mail-out survey of Canadian Orthodontists was conducted to evaluate the characteristics of orthodontic Internet use. The response rate was 45.6% (304 of 667). A total of 76.6% of orthodontists reported having Internet access at work, and an additional 12.4% reported having Internet access from a different location. Statistically significant associations between Internet usage and office staff size (P < .001) and years of practice (P = .046) were observed. Offices with larger staffs had greater Internet access. Number of staffs and number of case starts were positively correlated (P < .001, r = 0.498). The odds ratio for having Internet access on the basis of increased case starts from the less than 100 to 300-399 categories was 5.67. Although not statistically significant, there was a trend for greater Internet access by younger practitioners.

Perceptions and attitudes of Canadian orthodontists regarding digital and electronic technology.

INTRODUCTION: To plan for future acceptance and implementation of computer-related technology, it is necessary to understand orthodontists' current perceptions and attitudes toward emerging technologies. METHODS: An anonymous, self-administered, mail-out survey of Canadian orthodontists was conducted. The response rate was 45.6% (304/667). RESULTS: Most orthodontists indicated that computer technology could improve current practice efficiency and quality of patient care. Only 15% reported that digital models are quite or very useful; 73.6%, 69.1%, 55%, and 37.4% agreed or strongly agreed with using digital and electronic technology to consult with other dental specialists, other orthodontists, general dentists, and the public, respectively. Cost of the technology was reported as a significant or insurmountable obstacle by 54% of the respondents. Interprovincial legislation, unclear consultation remuneration guidelines, and lack of comfort with the technology were not perceived as significant obstacles. Only 36% reported security or privacy issues as a significant or insurmountable obstacle. CONCLUSIONS: Canadian orthodontists seem to view digital and electronic technology as useful and capable of improving their offices' efficiency and production. Although they are sensitive to some potential obstacles, they are willing to overcome these and incorporate the technology into their practices.