Iyapparaj P et al

Year : 2025 | Volume : 10 | Issue : 2 | Page : 25-34

Peer Mentoring and Gamification enhance Dental Academics

Iyapparaj P 1, Dr.Prabu D 1, Raj Thilak 2, Akshitha N 2, Narendhira Arjun 3, Anjana Shruthi 4

1 Department of Public Health Dentistry, SRM Dental college, Ramapuram, Chennai.

2 Department of Public Health Dentistry, Nandha Dental College and Hospital, Erode.

3 Department of Public Health Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha University, SIMATS, Chennai.

4 Dr.Raj Multi speciality Centre, Chennai.

Address for correspondence:

Dr.Iyapparaj P

Department of Public Health Dentistry,

SRM Dental college, Chennai.

Email- dr.iyapparaj@gmail.com

Background:

Innovative teaching methods are crucial for enhancing engagement and practical learning in dental education. This study evaluated the impact of a peer mentoring platform, DenSync, integrated with a gamification feature (DENTEST), on knowledge acquisition and student engagement among undergraduate dental students.

Methods:

A total of 142 first- and second-year BDS students from Nandha Dental College and Hospital participated between March and April 2024. Pre- and post-test questionnaires were used to assess learning outcomes. DenSync, a mobile-based platform, facilitates peer mentoring and gamified learning through rewards, competition, and multiple-choice quizzes.

Results:

Statistical analysis showed a significant improvement in post-test scores compared to pre-test scores (t(140) = 14.35, p < 0.001), with mean scores increasing from 65.56% to 89.37%. Students also reported improved motivation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Conclusion:

The findings support the integration of peer mentoring and gamification into dental curricula to enhance knowledge retention and self-directed learning, despite limitations such as the lack of a control group.

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

How to cite this Article: Iyapparaj P et al., Peer Mentoring and Gamification enhance Dental Academics. Int J Soc Rehab 2025;10(2):25-34. doi: 10.56501/intjsocrehab.v10i2.ijsr0047