I don't think the question between the two is which is "better," but rather, which style suits you personally? In problem-based-learning, students are presented with cases. Often I think that the school will divide the students into small groups where they can discuss the issues presented in the case. The group decides together what is necessary to research in order to best understand the problem at hand. For example, if the case has something to do with implants and you don't know what implants are or how they work, then you would look it up as a group. It's a very integrative way of teaching. Instead of just looking at what an implant is, you learn about the anatomy you are dealing with, maybe how to read an x-ray, the histology, etc. all together. It gives you a big picture of what is going on and sort of lets you see what "real case scenarios" are like once you become a dentist. It also teaches you how to look things up and research things if perhaps you encounter something down the line that you are unfamiliar with. At HSDM, we have regular lectures that are complemented with case-studies. So far it has been a really fun way to learn for me. I enjoy lectures especially to introduce me to certain topics and ideas, but being able to actually apply what you learn in lectures to cases is really fun. It's also a really fun and unique way to get to know your classmates. In the future, I'm sure you will be in dental study clubs or involved in things where you will have to deal with other dentists and doctors. This method really teaches you how to work with other people! It's definitely a personal choice I think on whether pbl or traditional teaching is right for you. I know that at some of the interviews they give you sort of a mock case so you can see what it is like (i.e. UConn). If you have any more questions, please let me know. Hope this helped.
