Design of an interactive system for access cavity assessment: A novel feedback tool for preclinical endodontics

A software program was developed to provide visual, guided feedback to students for access cavity preparations in preclinical learning. The specific aim of the study was to investigate students' overall experiences with the new learning method and compare their experiences with traditional teaching.

A workflow based on freely available software was designed to interactively register three-dimensional models of molars with access cavities, and to metrically compare these to instructor-prepared standard cavities. Third-year students practicing molar endodontics access cavity preparation in the preclinical course were then surveyed. A total of 44/79 students completed self-administered questionnaires prior and after the use of the feedback software to gauge their learning experience.

The results of the post-training questionnaire illustrated that all surveyed students agreed/strongly agreed that the software assisted their learning in access cavity preparation. In addition, 86 and 89%, respectively, of students agreed that the use of the software improved their skills of access cavity preparation and felt more confident about their access cavity preparation skills after using the software package, 3D Dental Align.

The presented software solution permitted setting and comparing access cavity preparations by students against a standard access prepared by an instructor. The process of data acquisition and registration was fast and straightforward. Student feedback was very positive and suggested the integration of this type of experiential learning into the preclinical curriculum.

This feasibility study demonstrated the utility of the new technology to assist dental students' access cavity preparation learning.