Implementing a Digital Case Study as a Clinical Assessment Tool in Dental and Allied Dental Education

Abstract

Abstract Introduction This resource is designed to help faculty implement a digital case study as an assessment tool in a clinical dental or allied dental course. A case study designed on the Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation, and Documentation (ADPIED) process of care, a model proven to promote critical thinking may be used throughout the allied dental or dental curriculum. Methods The case study template, used for five years in a clinical dental hygiene course, can be manipulated to fit program requirements. This faculty guide presents best practices as determined from student and faculty feedback. Guidelines include methods and suggestions for students to convert paper patient records into digital documents as well as how to use screen shots of digital patient records. The templates and documents provided in this Faculty Guide are for faculty use as long as appropriate credit is given. Results This digital case study has been used in clinical courses at a dental hygiene program since 2007 when it was first implemented. Students include this case study in their electronic portfolios and report positive feedback from potential employers. This case study template was shared with attendees at an ADEA Workshop in 2010 called Portraits of Learning. Discussion This digital case study takes instructor time to develop the guidelines and provide guidance to students. Instructors and students who are not digitally inclined will have a steeper learning curve in creating a digital case study. All students may benefit from creating a digital case study with undergrad students having different case study components from graduate or postgrad students.

Keywords

• eHealth
• Technology
• Case Study
• Critical Thinking
• Public Health Sciences
• Population Health