Impact of computerized dental simulation training on preclinical operative dentistry examination scores

Simulation training may be useful in the preclinical operative dentistry curriculum; however, the optimal timing and duration of training have not been defined. This study compared eight hours of adjunctive computerized dental simulator (CDS) training at two different time points to traditional teaching alone. First-year dental students (n=75) were randomized to CDS training (n=39) or traditional preclinical dental training alone (n=36). Of thirty-nine students in the CDS group, twenty-six were trained before exam 1 (pre-exam group) and thirteen after exam 1 (post-exam group). The primary outcome was performance on three practical examinations. The secondary outcome was the influence of timing on exam performance. CDS-trained students performed significantly better than controls on exams 1 and 2 and were higher but not significantly so on exam 3. There were no differences between CDS groups. These results suggest that eight hours of CDS training administered early in the preclinical operative dentistry may improve student performance.