Effective use of e-grading in the dental simulation clinic

Area of Science:

• Dental Education
• Educational Technology
• Medical Simulation

Background:

• Traditional paper-based grading systems in dental schools can be inefficient.
• There is a need for modern, engaging tools to support student learning and faculty assessment.
• Digital platforms offer opportunities to enhance feedback and track student progress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and implementation of a novel, platform-agnostic grading software system.
• To replace traditional paper grading with an engaging, web-based solution for dental students.
• To facilitate a comparison between student self-grading and instructor grading to improve learning.

Main Methods:

• A web-based, 24/7 accessible software system was implemented at a U.S. dental school.
• The system was accessed via tablets and allowed for direct comparison of student and instructor grades.
• Features included blinded grading for practical exams and data reporting for student and instructor insights.

Main Results:

• The software facilitated student-faculty interaction, promoting discussion and learning.
• Descriptive reports aided self-learning and guided learning in psychomotor skills.
• Post-course surveys indicated electronic grading was more efficient, increasing faculty-student interaction time.

Conclusions:

• The electronic grading system improved students' perception of enhanced kinetic skills.
• The software streamlined the administration of preclinical projects and practical examinations.
• The system created an environment more conducive to learning and skill development in dental education.