A preclinical dental trauma teaching module

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Anatomy
• Dental Education
• Surgical Simulation

Background:

• Dental trauma management is a critical skill for dentists.
• Undergraduate dental programs require effective simulation models for practical training.
• Previous methods for dental trauma simulation may lack reusability or cost-effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel, reusable dental trauma simulation exercise for undergraduate dental students.
• To provide hands-on experience in managing simulated tooth avulsion and luxation injuries.
• To train students in the application and removal of flexible splints for dental trauma.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an acrylic-mounted, formalin-fixed sheep mandible anterior segment as a reusable model.
• Students performed simulated tooth replantation and repositioning of luxated teeth.
• Applied a flexible splint using 40 lb fishing nylon and a resin-modified glass ionomer cement (GC Fuji Ortho LC).
• Conducted simple splint removal using a spoon excavator.

Main Results:

• The sheep mandible model proved to be a durable and reusable resource.
• Students gained practical experience in key dental trauma management procedures.
• The splinting technique using nylon and resin-modified glass ionomer cement was successfully demonstrated.
• The exercise provided a cost-effective and practical training solution.

Conclusions:

• The sheep mandible model offers a valuable, reusable, and economical tool for teaching dental trauma management.
• This simulation exercise effectively equips dental students with essential skills for handling avulsed and luxated teeth.
• The integrated approach to splinting and removal enhances procedural competency in undergraduate dental education.