Challenge-based learning (CBL) is an innovative educational approach that promotes collaborative and interdisciplinary learning experiences. It engages students, educators, stakeholders, researchers, families, and communities in jointly identifying and addressing real-world problems. By participating in CBL, students gain a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of their subjects. The framework draws on multiple educational theories and methods, including problem-based and inquiry-based learning, with problem-based learning serving as its foundational model. Unlike traditional problem-based approaches, CBL requires students to define the challenges they will tackle and to develop actionable solutions. This model emphasizes the societal impact of ideas rather than merely focusing on commercial benefits. Consequently, CBL fosters enhanced learning depth and breadth, strengthens teamwork skills, and promotes awareness of ethical and quality considerations in decision-making. While widely adopted in universities, schools, and institutions globally—particularly in science, engineering, and medicine—CBL has yet to be applied in dental education. This paper aims to outline the principles, design, implementation, and supervision of a CBL framework within a dental course, illustrating its adaptation for dental training.
