Debate: A Teaching-Learning Strategy for Developing Competence in Communication and Critical Thinking‪.‬

Introduction Complex issues of health policy, politics, and professionalization require teaching strategies that engage and motivate today's graduate and undergraduate students to be critical thinkers in preparation for roles as leaders, organizers, and advocates. One strategy, the debate, requires students to work as individuals and as a team to research critical issues, prepare and present a logical argument, actively listen to various perspectives, differentiate between subjective and objective information, ask cogent questions, integrate relevant information, develop empathy, project confidence, cultivate poise, and formulate their own opinions based on evidence. (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9) Therefore, the debate strategy can be used as an effective pedagogical method to achieve these aforementioned competencies in baccalaureate and graduate dental hygiene programs.