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3D Technology Development and Dental Education: What Topics Are Best Suited for 3D Learning Resources?
Paulina Poblete1,2, Sean McAleer3, Andrew G Mason2
1Escuela de Odontología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Chile.
Dentistry Journal
|September 5, 2020
Summary
Dental education can be enhanced with 3D learning resources. This study identified key topics, including temporomandibular joint anatomy and clinical skills, prioritized by students and academics for 3D development.
Area of Science:
- Dental Education
- Medical Technology
- Curriculum Development
Background:
- Traditional dental curricula may lack immersive learning tools.
- 3D technology offers potential for enhanced visualization and skill development in dentistry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify dental curriculum topics suitable for 3D learning resources.
- To gather stakeholder input on the perceived benefits of 3D technology in dental education.
Main Methods:
- Exploratory sequential design involving focus groups, interviews, and surveys.
- Stakeholder (students, graduates, academics) engagement across Scottish dental schools.
- Quantitative ranking of 97 identified topics based on perceived 3D resource benefit.
Main Results:
- Top priority topics for 3D resources include temporomandibular joint anatomy, dental anaesthesiology, clinical skills, occlusion, and mandibular functioning.
- Female participants perceived 'Extraction techniques: movements and force' as more beneficial than males (p < 0.05).
- No significant differences in topic prioritization were found between graduates and undergraduates.
Conclusions:
- User-driven identification of topics is crucial for effective 3D technology development in dental education.
- Prioritizing specific curriculum areas for 3D resources can directly benefit dental students and improve educational outcomes.
- Findings provide a foundation for developing targeted 3D learning tools to meet identified needs in dentistry.
