Technical Quality and Students' Perception of Endodontic Preclinical Training Using Natural or LikeReal Artificial...

Area of Science:

• Dental education
• Endodontics
• Preclinical training

Background:

• Evaluating technical quality of endodontic treatments in preclinical training.
• Comparing outcomes between artificial teeth group (ATG) and natural teeth group (NTG).
• Assessing student perceptions of the learning process with both tooth types.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the technical quality of endodontic treatments using artificial versus natural teeth in preclinical dental education.
• To evaluate dental students' perceptions of their learning experience with both training modalities.
• To identify specific error types and their frequencies in each group.

Main Methods:

• 408 teeth (204 NTG, 204 ATG) were assessed visually and radiographically for errors.
• Errors categorized by location (crown/root) and type (e.g., voids, fractures, obturation issues).
• Student perceptions gathered via a 10-question questionnaire; statistical analysis using chi-squared test (p<0.05).

Main Results:

• Similar technical quality observed between NTG and ATG.
• Most common errors in NTG: voids, root filling at apex. In ATG: voids, filling short of apex.
• ATG showed less marginal ridge damage but more ledges and root fractures (p<0.05).
• Students perceived NTG superior for access/instrumentation; preferred natural teeth overall.
• ATG students expressed greater concern for ethical/biohazard aspects.

Conclusions:

• Technical quality of endodontic treatment was comparable between artificial and natural teeth groups.
• Artificial teeth demonstrated a higher propensity for fracture, suggesting material improvements are needed.
• Students perceived natural teeth as more suitable for preclinical endodontic training.