Problem-based learning for Diploma Yi Jin students in pouring dental stone models

The government of Hong Kong has put much support in the training of dental care providers for high quality dental services. We designed a quality framework (QF) level 3 elective course in Diploma Yi Jin namely Basic Knowledge in Dental Sciences and Health Care to train students who would like to join the dental field. One teaching unit in casting dental stone model of Fixed and Removable Prosthodontics used the problem-based learning (PBL) task. PBL has been applied to many fields of study and training, it is different from the traditional learning methods with facilitating learning, and group discussions assisted by facilitators. PBL undeniably requires students to have certain knowledge to search for proper information. PBL also offers a peer group or cooperation study. After several practice in groups of pouring dental stone and peer discussion, we provide students with feedback from us showing their strengths and weaknesses in the whole procedure. By applying of PBL research type to produce a dental stone model from an impression trains the students the proper technique as required in clinical dental uses. This is a fundamental practical skill for a dental assistant in any dental clinics of Hong Kong.