A guide to critical thinking: implications for dental education

Br Dent J. 2020 Jul;229(1):52-53. doi: 10.1038/s41415-020-1648-x.

Abstract

Critical thinking is a key element of complex problem-solving and professional behaviour, which is a desirable skill for dental professionals. However, critical thinking is poorly defined in the clinical environment. Current research indicates the answers to critical thinking lie in educational theory, but the answer may be, instead, in epistemology theory. A review of the literature suggested that critical thinking in dentistry may relate to learning about the different lenses that a professional can adopt. Therefore, it may be prudent for dental professionals, especially those involved in the diagnosis of complex diseases in patients, to continue their learning, ensuring they become familiar with the different theoretical perspectives. Currently, this form of multiple theoretical perspective teaching is not included in the adult learning sector.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Education, Dental
  • Humans
  • Learning*
  • Problem Solving
  • Teaching
  • Thinking*