[Application of case-based learning in clinical practice of dental students].

PURPOSE To evaluate the result that students accommodate themselves to the case-based learning(CBL) in the practice of dental trauma. METHODS A total of 60 students were randomly assigned to two groups: CBL group and traditional group. Before and after the learning completed, an exam was fulfilled by each student. A questionnaire was fulfilled by CBL group. The questionnaire included the participants' attitudes toward the challenges through CBL and the suggestions for education reform from traditional to CBL method. All statistical analysis was performed using SAS9.0 software package. RESULTS There was significant difference (P<0.01) in score improvement between experimental group and control group of students. Questionnaires survey showed that students generally liked the CBL teaching methods. CONCLUSIONS CBL model can improve not only scores but also the capability of self-study of students. It can also culture the students' good thinking habit in clinic.