Catalogue of Interactive Learning Objectives to improve an Integrated Medical and Dental Curriculum.

INTRODUCTION: Online learning media are increasingly being incorporated into medical and dental education. However, the coordination between obligatory and facultative teaching domains still remains unsatisfying. The Catalogue of Interactive Learning Objectives of the University Clinic of Mainz (ILKUM), aims to offer knowledge transfer for students while being mindful of their individual qualifications. Its hierarchical structure is designed according to the Association for Dental Education in Europe (ADEE) levels of competence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ILKUM was designed to establish a stronger interconnection between already existing and prospective learning strategies. All contents are linked to the current lectures as well as to e-learning modules, e.g., clinical case studies and OR videos. Students can conduct self-examinations regarding specific learning objectives. Since 2007, ILKUM has been developed and analyzed regarding its acceptance among dental students. RESULTS: These improved e-learning techniques foster time and location-independent access to study materials and allow an estimation of the knowledge achieved by students. Surveys of our students clearly show a large demand for upgrading ILKUM content (89%; n = 172) with integrated self-testing (89%; n = 174). In parallel to the advancement of our e-learning offering, a portion of internet-based learning is constantly rising among students. CONCLUSION: The broad acceptance and demand for the development of ILKUM show its potential. Moreover, ILKUM grants fast, topic-oriented querying of learning content without time and locale limitations as well as direct determination of the individually needed knowledge conditions. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The long-term goal of the ILKUM project is to be a sustainable, important additional modality of teaching and training for dental and medical students.

Cervical metastases of squamous cell carcinoma of the maxilla: a retrospective study of 25 years.

OBJECTIVES: Squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) of the maxilla are relatively rare; therefore, only little data is available regarding the frequency of cervical metastasis (CM) and therapy strategies. Most authors only undertake clinical observation of the lymph nodes. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the manner of metastasis in SCC of the maxilla. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patient records from 1987 to 2011 were scanned for SCC of the maxilla. Patients with SCC limited to the maxilla were comprised. The cases were analyzed regarding tumor node metastasis staging system and any special occurrences in the follow-up time such as tumor recurrence, metastasis, and exitus letalis. Classification and staging were performed according to the 2003 UICC system. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-eight patients were comprised of 36 % females and 64 % males (average age, 66 years; women, 71 years; men, 63 years). The average follow-up time was 43 months (range, 0-195). Fifty-eight percent smoked or declared regular consumption of alcohol. About 50 % of the patients had an advanced tumor stage (III-IV). At the time of the primary diagnosis, 38 % of the patients had CM. There is an increased risk for CM occurrence with increasing tumor size and grading and a tumor localized in the postcanine region. Contralateral CM arises frequently in T4 tumors and tumors localized in the postcanine region. CONCLUSION: The data exhibit aggressive regional metastatic behavior of SCC of the maxilla. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Therefore, surgical treatment of the draining lymphatic system as a primary management strategy is recommended for patients with SCC of the maxilla.