Enhancing Light-curing Competence: A Study of Radiant Exposure and Training Outcomes Among Dental Students

The aim of this study was to measure radiant exposure and time necessary to deliver 16 J/cm2 of radiant exposure to simulated Class I and Class III preparations by first-year dental students. First-year dental students (n=89) received a 60-minute lecture on light-curing. Using the Managing Accurate Resin Curing Patient Simulator (MARC-PS) and protective blue-light-blocking glasses, students twice light-cured Class I and Class III restorations, using the Valo Grand Cordless light-curing unit with infection-control barriers on both Standard and High Power Plus modes. After their first attempts, if students did not obtain at least 16 J/cm2 of radiant exposure (RE), they received additional instruction. Paired t-tests were used to determine the change between the first and second attempts. After averaging two attempts, radiant exposure and time were compared between Standard and High Power Plus modes within individuals using paired t-tests.

79% of students provided 16 J/cm2 of radiant exposure on both attempts for Standard and High Power Plus modes. High Power Plus mode provided statistically significantly more radiant exposure and required less time to obtain 16 J/cm2 of radiant exposure for both restorations.

The MARC-PS is useful to identify students requiring instruction. It may be prudent to use High Power Plus mode or increase time on Standard mode to light-cure Class I restorations.