The predictive utility of computer-simulated exercises for preclinical technique performance

The objective of this research was to determine if a computerized simulated dental exercise predicts students' subsequent performance in preclinical technique courses. Twenty-nine first-year dental students voluntarily participated in the investigation prior to their first experience with a dental handpiece. These students prepared an ideal Class I amalgam on an ivorine mandibular first molar tooth after viewing ten-minute videotaped instructions. Students completed the Class I amalgam on a computerized dental treatment simulator (SIM). All participants' SIM scores were correlated with sub-test scores of the Dental Admission Test (DAT), predental overall grade point average (GPA), predental Biology/Chemistry/Physics grade point average (BCP), and grades from the first two preclinical laboratory technique courses (Lab 1 and Lab 2). The results showed a significant correlation between the simulator scores and DAT sub-test scores of Academic Average and Total Science, as well as Lab 1 scores. Based on these results, the simulator appears to be a good measure of general cognitive ability, including cognitive ability required to complete uncomplicated preclinical exercises.