Students at the school of dentistry study the comprehensive genetics of tooth and facial development through didactic lectures only. The knowledge of genetics is rapidly expanding, topping the textbook. There is also a growing surge towards applying active learning strategies to teach genetics in higher education. Students at the school of dentistry are not familiar with the increasing field of genetic data, biological databases, and the available tools to analyze these genetic data. We have developed a database called ‘Genetics for Dentistry’ to use as an active learning tool for teaching genetics in the dentistry program. The database archives genomic and proteomic data related to enamel and dentin formation at the initial stage. We took a systematic approach to collect, annotate, and organize the genomic, proteomic, and protein-protein interaction data related to enamel and dentin formation. The data were checked for accuracy and exported to Ragic to create a database. The ‘Genetics for Dentistry’ database contains all the human genes involved in enamel and dentin formation in the initial phase. Users can search the database by gene name, protein sequence, chromosomal location, and other keywords related to protein and gene function. Projects will be designed for students to use the database for searching and analyzing small sets of genetic data. The database-infused activities will supplement the genetics lecture in the dentistry program. Using the database will make the students interested in new branches of science like bioinformatics and precision dentistry.

Authors: Nazlee Sharmin, Ava K. Chow, Shanice Govia

Published in: Canada International Conference on Education, 2022

• Date of Conference: 21-23 June, 2022
• DOI: 10.20533/CICE.2022.0045
• Electronic ISBN: 978-1-913572-49-5
• Conference Location: Virtual (Mississauga, Canada)