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Comparative Analysis of Dental Anatomy Teaching Modalities' Effect on Preclinical Operative Psychomotor Performance
Najla Al Turkestani1,2, Mallika Ajmani3, Marwa Baraka2,4
1Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Journal of Dental Education
|December 24, 2025
Summary
Traditional dental anatomy instruction bested technology-enhanced methods in final exams and cavity preparation. However, hybrid approaches improved restoration skills, highlighting the need for domain-specific teaching strategies.
Area of Science:
- Dental Education
- Preclinical Dental Skills
- Educational Technology
Background:
- Dental anatomy knowledge is crucial for developing clinical proficiency in dental students.
- The comparative effectiveness of technology-enhanced teaching modalities versus traditional methods in dental anatomy education requires further investigation.
- Understanding how different teaching approaches impact both theoretical knowledge and practical skills is essential for optimizing dental curricula.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of traditional in-person, online, and hybrid dental anatomy teaching modalities.
- To evaluate the impact of these modalities on both theoretical knowledge (written examinations) and preclinical operative skills.
- To explore the correlation between dental anatomy performance and subsequent clinical skill acquisition.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study involving 326 first-year dental students.
- Comparison of three teaching modalities: traditional (human teeth), online (3D virtual library), and hybrid (both).
- Assessment via written examinations and evaluation of preclinical operative skills (cavity preparations and restorations); statistical analysis using ANOVA and Pearson's correlation.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in midterm dental anatomy scores across modalities.
- Traditional instruction resulted in significantly higher final examination scores compared to online and hybrid formats.
- Traditional instruction group showed superior cavity preparation skills, while the hybrid group excelled in restoration techniques.
Conclusions:
- Traditional and technology-enhanced teaching methods in dental anatomy education are complementary.
- Theoretical knowledge and practical skills in dentistry appear to be more distinct than previously assumed.
- Domain-specific teaching strategies are needed to optimize theoretical learning and practical skill development independently.
