Dental Students Say a Three-Phase Case Method Bridges the

A qualitative study from Mahidol University, published in Heliyon, suggests that a structured three-phase, multidisciplinary case-based learning approach can help dental students connect foundational science to real patient decision-making. Led by Kawin Sipiyaruk at Mahidol International Dental School, the research developed “preclinical multidisciplinary case-based learning” (PM-CBL) and interviewed 14 dental students and recent graduates about knowledge integration and perceived readiness for clinical practice. The study notes that conventional, lecture-centered curricula can fragment learning and leave students to assemble concepts under pressure. PM-CBL addresses this by sequencing activities: independent, discipline-specific review and feedback (Phase 1), multidisciplinary integration and group presentation preparation (Phase 2), and a final phase based on Kolb’s experiential learning cycle (Phase 3).