A Comparative Pilot Study of Computer-Based Evaluation Software Versus Traditional Evaluation in Preclinical...

Area of Science:

• Dental Education
• Operative Dentistry
• Digital Technology in Dentistry

Background:

• Traditional faculty grading of preclinical dental work can be subjective.
• Objective, consistent evaluation methods are needed to enhance student learning in preclinical operative dentistry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of computer-based evaluation software in grading preclinical dental preparations and restorations.
• To compare software-based grading with traditional faculty evaluation.

Main Methods:

• Forty-four Class I and Class II preparations and Class II restorations were created by first-year dental students.
• Evaluations were performed using a validated rubric by calibrated faculty and by scanning with Planmeca PlanScan and grading with Romexis E4D Compare Software.
• Software grades were compared to faculty grades using a linear mixed model across various tolerance intervals (100-500 µm).

Main Results:

• The Compare Software demonstrated minimal mean differences compared to faculty grades at specific tolerance levels: 1.64 points for Class I preparation (300 µm), 0.41 points for Class II preparation (400 µm), and 0.20 points for Class II restoration (300 µm).
• Optimal tolerance levels were identified for correlating software and faculty grades for each operative procedure.

Conclusions:

• The computer-based Compare Software provides a reliable adjunct for grading student preclinical operative procedures.
• This software serves as a practical tool for students to self-evaluate their performance in preclinical settings.
• The study determined optimal tolerance levels for correlating digital evaluations with traditional faculty grading.