The value of team-based learning in dental education as a driver of multidisciplinary competencies

Dear Editor, As dental education evolves in response to post-pandemic challenges, there is an urgent need to adopt more active, student-centered learning approaches. The creative teaching strategies in healthcare education, with a specific focus on local anesthesia in dental education, are very important.[1] In the context of dental training, team-based learning TBL breaks down complex concepts into manageable parts, helping learners grasp the fundamentals with confidence.[2] It also encourages reflective practice, bridging the gap between theory and clinical application.[3] TBL fosters a collaborative environment that enhances problem-solving through teamwork and shared responsibility.[2] It is defined as “an active learning and small group instructional strategy that provides students with opportunities to apply conceptual knowledge through a sequence of activities that includes individual work, teamwork, and immediate feedback”.[4] It follows the principles of constructivist learning theory, where educational experience is regarded as a procedure that is regulated by one’s own experiences.[5] The learning experience can be stimulated and facilitated by transforming the conventional face-to-face lecture into an effective, dynamic, and more engaging problem-solving process.[6] In alignment with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, particularly in innovation and healthcare education, TBL advances comprehensive and equitable education by cultivating skills that apply to the current healthcare environment. The goal is to ensure a modern curriculum concentrating on learning skills development standards.[7] The recently published studies conducted at Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University’s dental college showed a significant difference when comparing traditional lectures and TBL, with students achieving higher grades in TBL in addition to enhanced clinical readiness.[1,2] These studies have also contributed to a group context, enhancing teamwork spirit. This was evident during sessions related to Local Anesthesia techniques and related failure management to tackle challenging problems that they could face in the real world.[1] We consider TBL to be a progressive and effective method of teaching dentistry. It equips students with the skills necessary for productive teamwork and prepares them for the complex healthcare demands of the twenty-first century. TBL ensures that dental education meets the requirements of evolving healthcare systems by placing a high value on critical thinking, which ultimately leads to improved health outcomes. By engaging students in real-world problem-solving, TBL cultivates the competencies needed to address social determinants of health and promote patient-centered, preventive care. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.