A compendium of board game-based learning models for oral pathology and microbiology education

Dental education increasingly emphasizes active learning strategies that promote student engagement, knowledge retention, and critical thinking. Game based learning has emerged as a valuable pedagogical approach capable of transforming traditional learning environments into interactive educational experiences. Board game-based learning offers opportunities for collaborative learning, immediate feedback, and reinforcement of key concepts in health professions education. This paper presents a descriptive compendium of board game-based learning models developed for teaching Oral Pathology, Oral Histology, and Microbiology concepts to undergraduate dental students. A series of eight educational board games were designed to facilitate active learning among Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) students. Each game was developed based on specific learning objectives, curricular requirements, and principles of educational Game based learning. The games incorporated visual recognition, problem-solving, matching exercises, puzzle-solving, clue-based reasoning, and word construction activities. The descriptive compendium comprises eight unique game formats: Path and Ladder, Spin and Match, Wall-Ee, Jigsaw Puzzles, Patho-Connect, Who's My Pair?, The Jumble Box, and Find the Path. These models are intended to address diverse cognitive domains including knowledge recall, visual identification, analysis and application. The games are expected to promote teamwork, peer-assisted learning, and active participation while reinforcing foundational concepts in oral pathology and microbiology. Board game-based learning models represent innovative and adaptable educational resources for dental education. Their integration into undergraduate curricula may potentially enhance student motivation, engagement, and conceptual understanding while creating enjoyable learning experiences. These models align with SDG 4 - quality education.