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Introducing CAD/CAM into a predoctoral dental curriculum: a case study
Paul E Reifeis1, Michele L Kirkup1, Lisa H Willis1
1Dr. Reifeis is Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Restorative Dentistry, Indiana University School of Dentistry; Dr. Kirkup is Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Restorative Dentistry, Indiana University School of Dentistry; Dr. Willis is Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Restorative Dentistry, Indiana University School of Dentistry; and Dr. Browning is Professor and IDA Endowed Chair in Restorative Dentistry, Department of Restorative Dentistry, Indiana University School of Dentistry.
Indiana University School of Dentistry successfully integrated computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) dental technology into its predoctoral curriculum. Students and faculty reported positive experiences and high-quality outcomes with CAD/CAM-generated crowns.
Area of Science:
- Dental Education
- Biomaterials Science
- Digital Dentistry
Background:
- Dental schools are increasingly adopting digital technologies.
- Integrating computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems presents unique challenges and opportunities in predoctoral dental education.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the integration process of a CAD/CAM system into the predoctoral curriculum at Indiana University School of Dentistry.
- To evaluate student and faculty perceptions of the CAD/CAM system after one year of implementation.
Main Methods:
- A non-validated survey instrument was used to collect feedback from first-year dental (D1) students and supervising faculty.
- Student experiences fabricating CAD/CAM-generated crowns and faculty evaluations of crown quality were assessed.
Main Results:
- 80% of surveyed students rated the learning experience as good or excellent.
- 43% of students felt prepared for independent crown fabrication.
- Faculty rated 89-98% of CAD/CAM crowns as good or excellent in quality, comparable to or better than those from commercial labs.
Conclusions:
- The CAD/CAM system is a viable and effective addition to the predoctoral dental curriculum.
- Students demonstrated enthusiasm for the technology, and faculty reported high-quality clinical outcomes.
- The performance of CAD/CAM-generated crowns aligns with existing literature.
