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A computerised third molar surgery simulator--results of supervision by different professionals
1Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Dental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden; Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Clinical Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
Summary
Supervision by an oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) teacher or teaching assistant significantly improves learning efficiency for dental students using a third molar surgery simulator. Teaching assistants offer the most optimal choice for time and cost-effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Dental Education
- Surgical Simulation
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Background:
- Effective training methods are crucial for developing surgical skills in dental students.
- Computerized simulators offer a safe and repeatable environment for practicing complex procedures like third molar extraction.
- Identifying optimal supervision models enhances the efficiency of surgical skills acquisition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the most effective supervisory approach for undergraduate dental students learning third molar surgery on a simulator.
- To compare the efficiency of learning under different supervision conditions: OMS teacher, teaching assistant, no supervision, and simulator technician.
Main Methods:
- A randomized experimental study involving fifth-year dental students using a computerized third molar surgery simulator.
- Evaluation of learning efficiency based on the number of trials and time required for skill development.
- Assessment of four distinct supervision groups: OMS specialist, teaching assistant, self-directed, and technical support.
Main Results:
- Students supervised by an OMS teacher required an average of 1.44 attempts, while those with a teaching assistant needed 1.5 attempts.
- Unsupervised students averaged 2.8 attempts, and those with a simulator technician required 3.6 attempts.
- Both OMS teacher and teaching assistant supervision led to the most efficient learning experiences.
Conclusions:
- Supervision by an OMS teacher or teaching assistant significantly enhances learning efficiency in third molar surgery simulation.
- Supervision by a teaching assistant presents the optimal choice for a time and cost-effective training approach in this simulated environment.
