A Digital-Conventional Integrated Teaching Method Used in Preclinical Full Crown Preparation Courses: A Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Dental Education
• Prosthodontics
• Digital Health

Background:

• Traditional preclinical dental training relies on conventional methods.
• Integrating digital tools offers potential advancements in dental education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of a digital-conventional integrated teaching method versus a conventional method for preclinical full crown preparation.
• To assess student performance and perceptions in a preclinical prosthodontics course.

Main Methods:

• Fifty-eight dental students were randomized into conventional (CG) and digital-conventional integrated (DG) groups.
• Both groups received conventional training; DG additionally used a digital real-time training and evaluation system.
• Evaluations included expert assessment, a digital grading system, and student questionnaires.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were found between CG and DG in overall crown preparation scores by experts or the digital system.
• The digital-conventional integrated method significantly improved mastery of the preparation sequence.
• Conventional methods were rated higher for efficiency, posture, and student preference.

Conclusions:

• The digital-conventional integrated teaching method is as effective as the conventional method for preclinical full crown preparation.
• This integrated approach enhances learning of the preparation sequence and shows potential for preclinical dental courses.