Curriculum FAQs
Why did Case make this change in the curriculum?
The faculty of the School believe that we must change the approach to dental education to include active learning formats. This is an educationally sound practice founded in educational theory that suggests experiential learning is a more efficient way to learn.
What other issues impacted the decision to change now?
Dental education has been slow to implement changes that address an overcrowded curriculum, contemporary issues in dentistry, greater levels of integration of basic science with practical dental science, and societal changes that impact the practice of dentistry.
Why is Case the place for this innovative educational change to occur?
The faculty completed a self-evaluation and determined that we have the educational leadership, resources and capacity at this time to create a more educationally satisfying program that addresses the need for change.
Is this a Problem Based Learning Curriculum?
Our program is a hybrid that includes small group learning and a variety of other learning formats such as traditional lecture, interdisciplinary learning groups, small group learning, team based learning, problem based learning and independent study.
How else is the program different from other programs?
This program has principles to develop a culture of inquiry, to involve students in learning experiences with other health care professional students, to teach critical learning skills that can be applied in new situations, requiring students to develop as independent learners.