The Effects of Combining Two Digital Systems for Preclinical Prosthodontic Education on Tooth Preparation

Area of Science:

• Dental Education
• Simulation Technology
• Preclinical Training

Background:

• Traditional phantom head simulators are standard for preclinical dental training.
• Digital tools offer potential for enhanced skill development in dentistry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of combining digital real-time evaluation and virtual simulation systems for enhancing dental students' tooth preparation skills.
• To compare the impact of different implementation sequences of these digital systems.

Main Methods:

• 32 students (Class of 2020) used traditional simulators.
• 60 students (Classes of 2021 & 2022) trained with digital real-time evaluation or virtual simulation systems.
• Performance was assessed via three ceramic crown preparation tests, with training task exchange between groups.

Main Results:

• Students trained with digital systems (2021 & 2022 cohorts) scored significantly higher than the traditional group (2020 cohort).
• Both digital groups showed significant sequential improvement across tests, with no performance difference between the two digital methods.
• Students favored the digital real-time evaluation system over the virtual simulation system.

Conclusions:

• The combined digital real-time evaluation and virtual simulation approach enhances manual dexterity for ceramic crown preparation.
• The sequence of digital method implementation does not affect preclinical training effectiveness.
• A positive correlation exists between students' tooth preparation scores and their emotional well-being.