E-learning vs. classroom instruction in infection control in a dental hygiene program.

Area of Science:

• Dental Hygiene Education
• Infection Control Training
• E-learning Pedagogy

Background:

• Effective infection control education is crucial in dental hygiene to prevent disease transmission.
• Traditional classroom instruction and newer e-learning methods are both utilized for delivering this critical training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of e-learning versus traditional classroom instruction for teaching infection control to first-year dental hygiene students.
• To evaluate student outcomes using multiple-choice examinations and clinical competency-based examinations (CBE).

Main Methods:

• Two groups of first-year dental hygiene students (n=26 each) were compared: one receiving e-learning and the other classroom instruction.
• Instructional content was standardized, developed by the Organization for Safety, Asepsis, and Prevention.
• Outcomes were assessed via multiple-choice tests and first-time pass rates on the clinical CBE.

Main Results:

• Mean scores on the multiple-choice examination were 82.8% for e-learning and 86.8% for classroom instruction (p=0.11, not statistically significant).
• There was no statistically significant difference in the first-time pass rate for the clinical CBE between the two groups (p=0.668).

Conclusions:

• Both e-learning and classroom instruction are effective methods for teaching infection control in dental hygiene programs.
• The choice between e-learning and classroom instruction can be based on program needs, with potential for future blended learning approaches.