Journal of dental education
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Contribution of Haptic Simulation to Analogic Training Environment in Restorative Dentistry.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of virtual reality to the conventional analogic training environment and show the complementarity of conventional techniques and virtual reality in the learning of dental students. All 88 first-year dental students at a dental school in France in early 2019 were randomly assigned to one of two groups: group 1 (n = 45) was assigned to cavity preparations on a haptic simulator (Virteasy) and group 2 (n = 43) was assigned to conventional practical work on plastic analogue teeth (Kavo). Following three training sessions, the students in group 1 took a final exam on the same plastic analogue teeth exercise. ⋯ The simulator-trained group (group 1) had similar results to the plastic analogue-trained group (group 2) in the final test on a plastic analogue tooth. In this study, virtual reality allowed an assessment based on objective criteria and reduced the subjectivity of evaluations conducted on plastic analogue teeth. Considering the saving of supervision and teaching time as well as the material gain offered by virtual reality, the learning methods of haptic simulators are educational options that should be considered by dental educators.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
The Effect of Magnification Loupes on Spontaneous Posture Change of Dental Students During Preclinical Restorative Training.
Scientific evidence validating the beneficial effect of loupes in preventing musculoskeletal disorders is very scarce. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of dental loupes on dental students' posture during a preclinical restorative dentistry course. Using a randomized crossover design, this study was conducted at the School of Dentistry, University of Nantes, France, in 2017. ⋯ Cavity preparations were not improved by the use of loupes. The questionnaire revealed negative aspects (pain and difficulty adapting) but underlined the perceived positive impact on posture. This study documented the ergonomic advantages and challenges of introducing magnification near the beginning of the dental training program.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Timing of Case-Based Discussions and Educational Outcomes for Dental Students.
The aim of this study was to determine if the timing of a case-based discussion affected dental students' assessment scores. The study specifically investigated whether the timing of a 60-minute case-based discussion before or after a 90-minute lecture affected students' performance on a quiz on topics in pediatric dentistry. In addition, students' preferences for the timing of the case discussion and confidence in the material with different timings were assessed in a survey. ⋯ Students also expressed more confidence when the case was held after the lecture (12.7 vs. 11.6, p=0.02) and preferred the case after (p=0.01). This study found that higher quiz and confidence scores resulted when a case discussion was held after (vs. before) a lecture. When dental educators consider adding a case discussion to a lecture format as a method of increasing students' active learning, these results suggest that having the case discussion after the lecture may be more effective for learners new to the material.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Evaluation of a Local Anesthesia Simulation Model with Dental Students as Novice Clinicians.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of a local anesthesia (LA) simulation model in a facilitated small group setting before dental students administered an inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) for the first time. For this pilot study, 60 dental students transitioning from preclinical to clinical education were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (N=30) that participated in a small group session using the simulation model or a control group (N=30). After administering local anesthesia for the first time, students in both groups were given questionnaires regarding levels of preparedness and confidence when administering an IANB and level of anesthesia effectiveness and pain when receiving an IANB. ⋯ Students who received LA from students who practiced on the simulation model also experienced fewer post-injection complications one day after receiving the IANB, including a statistically significant reduction in trismus. No statistically significant difference was found in level of effectiveness of the IANB or perceived levels of pain between the two groups. The results of this pilot study suggest that using a local anesthesia simulation model may be beneficial in increasing a dental student's level of comfort prior to administering local anesthesia for the first time.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Videotaped Feedback Method to Enhance Learning in Preclinical Operative Dentistry: An Experimental Study.
The aim of this study was to investigate if a videotaped feedback method enhanced teaching and learning outcomes in a preclinical operative laboratory setting for novice learners. In 2013, 60 dental students at a dental school in India were randomly assigned to two groups: control (n=30) and experimental (n=30). The control group prepared a Class II tooth preparation for amalgam after receiving a video demonstration of the exercise. ⋯ The means of SS (13.65±2.43) and ES (14.75±1.97) of the experimental group were statistically higher than the means of SS (11.55±2.09) and ES (11.60±1.82) of the control group. Most students in the experimental group perceived that this technique enhanced their learning experience. Within the limits of this study, the videotaped feedback using both ideal and non-ideal examples enhanced the students' performance.