The field of dental medical education is one of the most rapidly evolving fields in education. Newer teaching methods are being evaluated and incorporated in dental institutions. One of the promising new methods is the blended learning approach that may involve a “flipped” instructional sequencing, where online instruction precedes the group meeting, allowing for more sophisticated learning through discussion and critical thinking. The author conducted a mixed method, experimental study that focused on second year dental students’ perceptions of blended learning and its effectiveness. A sample size of 40 dental students in their second year from a Northeastern Regional Dental School were invited to participate in this study to evaluate a blended learning approach in comparison to a more traditional lecture format. Students who participated in the study, participated in group problem-solving, responded to Likert-type surveys, completed content exams, and were interviewed individually. Based on Likert survey data and interview responses, the participants in the blended learning treatment reported very positive opinions including positive perceptions of the organization, support of meaningful learning and potential merits for use in dental education. There also was evidence that the blended learning group achieved at least as well as the traditional lecture group, and excelled on certain content test items. The results of this study support the conclusion that blended instruction promotes active, in-depth and self-regulated learning. During blended learning, students set standards or goals regarding their learning, evaluate their progress toward these goals, and then adapt and regulate their cognition, motivation, and behavior in order to accomplish their goals. Overall, the results of this research on blended learning, including the use of problem-based learning in group discussions, supports the merits of incorporating blended earning in dental education curricula.

This study examined if dental students could increase their level of reflective skills over time through composing reflective blogs during their introduction to patient care in their course, Clinical Practice of Dentistry I, and to document and analyze student perceptions of the use of reflective blogs, particularly pertaining to the clinical and metacognitive skills. The participants of this study included 69 third-year dental students. Reflective blogs were analyzed using a reflective rubric adapted from Wetmore, Boyd, Bowen & Patillio, 2010. Student perceptions regarding the use of reflective blogs were documented through a 14-question Likert-opinion survey and focus group interviews. Findings indicated reflective thought level increased significantly in all six reflective thought categories across the three assessed blogs. Overall, student perceptions of the use of reflective blogs were positive as based on a five-point Likert scale survey. They reported particularly high percentages for "I feel comfortable about reflecting on my clinical experiences" at ~ 90% Agree, "Reflective journals allow me to focus and think things over" at ~ 83% Agree, followed by "Reflective journals develop my ability to monitor and reflect on my own thinking processes"~ 74%. Both the qualitative and quantitative results of this study provide favorable evidence that reflective journaling is effective and in large measure is appreciated by students in their clinical phase of dental medical education.