Evaluation of the efficacy of a simulation model used in oral and maxillofacial surgery education.

BACKGROUND: The traditional teaching methods of dental education are gradually being replaced with futuristic education methods based on the usage of educational tools such as mannequin-based simulation models and virtual reality. However, the effectiveness of mannequin-based simulation models as a learning method in the field of oral surgery remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of training on a tooth extraction model (TEM) in view of undergraduate dental students' experience and perception of their education. METHODS: A quasi-experimental trial was implemented with two consecutive year classes, totaling 136 students at the Dentistry Faculty of Altinbas University, Turkiye. Two cohorts were created from dental students in the classes of 2023 and 2022 graduates. Cohort 1 (n = 71) received 14 h of theoretical education followed by 10 h of preclinical education on TEM. Cohort 2 (n = 65) received only 14 h of theoretical education. An anonymous questionnaire was prepared with four main sections including the preferences of learning style, participants' perceptions of the preclinical training methods, the students' competency and free text comments. Students' opinions were quantified with both 7-point Likert scales and thematic analysis. Anxiety levels were measured with the interval scale of anxiety response (ISAR). Descriptive statistics, inferential statistical and thematic analyses were conducted according to survey responses. Student characteristics were summarized and compared for two cohorts using a t-test. For all statistical analyses, the significance level was set atP ≤ 0.05. RESULT: Cohort 1 was more comfortable with sequential motions performed with the forceps (P = 0.033) and felt more ready for their first clinical tooth extraction experience (P = 0.028). Cohort 2 showed a significantly higher preference for textbooks among supplementary materials (P = 0.04); however, they tended to exhibit lower self-confidence and higher anxiety levels, though without any statistical significance (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: It is clear that the students who have yet to start seeing patients benefit from increased practice with training models, which adequately reflect and represent real-life situations encountered in everyday practice.

Does Knot Configuration Improve Tensile Characteristics of Monofilament Suture Materials?

PURPOSE: The effects of knot configuration used in surgical procedures are often overlooked when surgeons are looking for an ideal suture material. This study aimed to investigate the mechanical properties of monofilament suture materials used in oral and maxillofacial surgery under diverse knot configurations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A custom-made experimental platform and a microtensile test device were used to evaluate the mechanical properties of the tested subjects. There were 2 predictor variables: suture material and knot configuration. Three types of nonabsorbable and monofilament suture materials with 4-0 gauge, including nylon, polypropylene, and polytetrafluoroethylene, were tested. Four different knot configurations-a surgeon's knot square plus a square knot (2 = 1 = 1), a surgeon's knot granny plus a square knot (2 × 1 = 1), a reverse surgeon's knot granny plus a square knot (1 × 2 = 1), and a reverse surgeon's knot square plus a square knot (1 = 2 = 1)-were also used with each of the suture materials. The tensile strength (N) and elongation (µm) of each sample were measured as the outcomes. The data were statistically analyzed using 2-way analysis of variance and Tukey's honestly significant difference tests. The significance level was set at P < .05. RESULTS: Overall, 120 samples were tested. Statistical analysis revealed that the highest tensile strength (28.6 N) was found for nylon in the surgeon's knot square plus a square knot (P < .05). Polypropylene showed a similar high tensile strength value (24.7 N) in the reverse surgeon's knot granny plus a square knot (P > .05). Polytetrafluoroethylene demonstrated significantly lower values for both tensile strength in tested configurations (within the range of 5.2-8.5 N). Under diverse configurations, polypropylene suture samples offered the most stable tensile strength and elongation. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that different knot configurations might improve the mechanical profile of commonly used monofilament suture materials. The surgeon's knot square (2 = 1), commonly used by surgeons worldwide, proved to be the most beneficial knot configuration in this study in terms of tensile strength and elongation. Further research on optimal knot configuration may be just as important as seeking an ideal suture material.