Web-based educational programme for temporomandibular joint assessment with cone-beam computed tomography

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Radiology
• Medical Education

Background:

• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders require accurate assessment.
• Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a valuable imaging modality for TMJ evaluation.
• Educational tools are needed to enhance dental students' diagnostic skills in TMJ assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a web-based educational program for TMJ assessment using CBCT.
• To assess the program's effectiveness in improving diagnostic accuracy among dental students.
• To gather user feedback on the program's usability and satisfaction.

Main Methods:

• A web-based educational program was created incorporating CBCT cases and assessment criteria from the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD).
• Thirty-six dental students assessed TMJ cases twice, before and after a 2-month interval, using the program.
• Student satisfaction and program usability were evaluated through written subjective feedback.

Main Results:

• Students achieved an 80% correct diagnosis rate in the second assessment, despite limited prior CBCT training and no program use during the interval.
• Diagnostic accuracy did not significantly improve between the first and second assessments.
• The program was rated as user-friendly and satisfactory by the participating students.

Conclusions:

• The developed web-based educational program serves as a potentially valuable tool for teaching TMJ assessment with CBCT.
• Further integration and utilization of the program may enhance diagnostic skills in dental education.
• The program's user-friendly design contributes to its potential as an effective educational resource.