Utilization of Simulated Competency Exams in Dental Hygiene Education

Area of Science:

• Dental Education
• Clinical Skills Assessment
• Simulation-Based Learning

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a shift towards manikin-based clinical licensure exams (CLE).
• This transition highlights the need to evaluate the effectiveness of simulation in dental education.
• Understanding student perceptions of these simulated exams is crucial for curriculum development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of simulated competency and mock board exams on dental students' self-confidence and perceptions.
• To compare the effectiveness of two different typodont models (Ac adental ModuPRO DH and Acadental Coris) in a simulated exam setting.

Main Methods:

• Two student cohorts (Classes of 2023 and 2024) participated in a four-semester sequence of simulated exams.
• Pre- and post-surveys with Likert scale and open-response questions were used to measure perceptions and self-confidence.
• The Class of 2023 used the Acadental ModuPRO DH, while the Class of 2024 used the Acadental Coris typodont.

Main Results:

• 65% of participants completed the survey.
• Both cohorts found mock board exams beneficial for CLE preparation.
• The Class of 2023 demonstrated significant increases in confidence (p=0.003, p=0.009), while the Class of 2024 showed slight, non-significant increases.
• All participants agreed that competency exams aided CLE preparation.
• 100% of students passed the CLE on their first attempt.

Conclusions:

• A sequence of competency and mock board exams enhances student confidence and preparedness for the CLE.
• The type of typodont used did not significantly alter the positive impact on student confidence.
• Simulated patient competency exams are valuable tools for preparing dental students for licensure.