Dental diagnosis and treatment (DDx & Tx): interactive videodisc patient simulations for dental education

Judgement skills and critical thinking in dentistry are developed through: (1) a systematic approach to gathering and processing information, and (2) an essential amount of practical experience. A new system of interactive videodisc patient simulations titled 'Dental Diagnosis and Treatment' or 'DDx & Tx' has been developed to provide students or practicing dentists an opportunity to develop and practice their critical thinking skills. The DDx & Tx system consists of patient simulation software, a laser-reflective videodisc with its accompanying database, a patient simulation management system, and documentation. An authoring tool is under development. Faculty-authored simulations require students to gather information, formulate diagnoses, order appropriate treatments and properly sequence those treatments. The students' performance is automatically scored and a critique is provided as a review.