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A comparative evaluation of student experience with artificial teeth used in pre-clinical fixed prosthodontics
1Adelaide Dental School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
Introduction:
Research is lacking in the use of artificial teeth for post-core techniques in undergraduate fixed prosthodontics pre-clinical education. The aim of this study was to compare the reasons for selection and explore the direct student experiences with artificial teeth used in two pre-clinical fixed prosthodontics post-core technique teaching programs conducted in consecutive years.
Materials And Methods:
Fourth year undergraduate dental students who had completed the fixed prosthodontics pre-clinical program were invited to complete an anonymous online surveys. Information was requested on the use and direct student experiences with artificial and natural teeth for post-core techniques. Quantitative data was summarised and qualitative data was clustered into topics. The reasons for selection and use of artificial and natural teeth were compared within and between the two programs.
Results:
36% of 70 respondents in 2020 chose to use one or more artificial teeth for the post-core exercises in the pre-clinical program compared with 94% of 77 respondents in 2021 (p < .05). The use was driven by difficulty in sourcing appropriate natural teeth. Respondents reported "ease of use" as the dominant positive user experience with the main negatives being "unrealistic simulation of natural teeth" and "different surface texture/feel when cutting."
Conclusion:
Artificial teeth were reported to provide an appropriate and realistic simulation experience compared with extracted natural teeth and were easier to source. Students focussed on the practicalities of sourcing artificial teeth, associated costs and ease of use ahead of conceivable educational benefits. Cost limited the more widespread use of artificial teeth.
