Evaluating ultrasonic instrumentation curricular change: an observational comparison study

Area of Science:

• Dental Hygiene Education
• Ultrasonic Instrumentation
• Curriculum Development

Background:

• Ultrasonic instrumentation (USI) is evolving in dental hygiene.
• It is unclear if current dental hygiene curricula have adapted to these advancements.
• This study evaluates the impact of a contemporary USI curriculum on student preparedness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare two dental hygiene cohorts with different USI curricula.
• To determine if a contemporary USI curriculum enhances student preparation, use, and confidence in USI.
• To assess the effectiveness of updated USI teaching methods.

Main Methods:

• A 2-group observational study compared a traditional curriculum (TC) cohort with a contemporary curriculum (CC) cohort.
• Questionnaires assessed student preparation, USI use, and confidence at the onset and conclusion of clinical programming.
• Statistical analysis included Welch's t-test to compare cohorts.

Main Results:

• The CC cohort showed significantly better preparation in water control, fulcruming, and curved inserts early in training.
• No significant difference was found in the overall use of ultrasonic versus hand instruments between cohorts (approx. 60% USI use).
• Initially, TC students reported higher confidence, but CC students' confidence significantly increased over time.

Conclusions:

• A contemporary USI curriculum can enhance specific aspects of student preparation and confidence.
• While overall USI use remained similar, curriculum updates show positive impacts on preparedness.
• Continuous program evaluation is necessary for optimal implementation of USI in dental hygiene education.