Comparison of two methods designed to improve pediatric dental case presentations utilizing videotapes

Area of Science:

• Dental Education
• Pediatric Dentistry
• Communication Skills Training

Background:

• Effective dentist-parent communication is crucial in pediatric dentistry.
• Training senior dental students in pediatric case presentations requires efficient and impactful methods.
• Current pedagogical approaches may vary in their effectiveness for skill development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of two distinct teaching methods for pediatric case presentations.
• To assess the impact of viewing a model presentation versus self-evaluation on student performance.
• To evaluate student perceptions of the learning methods used.

Main Methods:

• Seventy-two senior dental students participated, with their initial pediatric case presentations videotaped.
• Students were randomized into two groups: one viewing a model presentation, the other reviewing their own recording.
• Performance was assessed using 25 specific criteria, with blind evaluation of subsequent presentations.

Main Results:

• Students who viewed a model videotape showed a statistically significant improvement in case presentation skills (p = 0.0044).
• Students who evaluated their own videotaped presentations did not demonstrate significant improvement (p = 0.8830).
• Both groups reported the methods as helpful, minimally stressful, and time-efficient.

Conclusions:

• Viewing a model presentation is a more effective method for enhancing pediatric case presentation skills in dental students.
• Self-evaluation of recorded presentations appears less impactful for skill improvement in this context.
• The findings suggest incorporating model-based learning to optimize communication training in dental education.