Comparison of digitally assessed quality of posterior crown preparations performed with and without previous practice on patient-specific three-dimensional-printed teeth models.

INTRODUCTION: Three-dimensional (3D)-printing technology can provide customizable simulations, but its effects on patient care quality have not been well studied. This study aimed to assess the impact of practicing with patient-specific 3D-printed teeth models on the quality of patients' dental preparations performed by students transitioning to clinical training. Accordingly, the quality of posterior crown preparations was evaluated by objectively analyzing digital scans and grades in two groups: the study group, which practiced beforehand with patient-specific 3D-printed teeth models, and the control group, which did not practice with these models. METHODS: All 78 fourth-year dental students who had just finished their fixed prosthodontics course at the simulation laboratory with training on phantom heads and without previous clinical experience in crown preparations were invited to participate in the study. Sixty-eight agreed to take part and were randomly divided into a study group that practiced crown preparations on 3D-printed models of their own patient's teeth and a control group that did not practice with 3D-printed models and started their clinical work straightforwardly after simulation training. Students completed validated perception questionnaires on self-confidence and clinical skills before and after the protocol, which were compared using a chi-squared test. Crown preparations performed on 3D-printed models and then on patients were digitally scanned and objectively graded by prepCheck software for critical parameters, such as undercuts, taper, and occlusion reduction. Non-parametric tests were used to compare preparations on 3D-printed models and on patients performed by the study group and those on patients made by the control group. RESULTS: Initially, both groups reported similar perceptions of self-confidence and clinical skills levels. The study group significantly improved both aspects after the protocol. Analysis of the scanned preparations demonstrated that the study group removed less tooth structure from actual patients than from the initial 3D-printed models. In contrast, the control group showed excess occlusal clearance in their patients compared to the study group. CONCLUSIONS: Practicing patient-specific 3D-printed teeth before performing procedures clinically appears to enhance preparation quality and minimize unnecessary tooth reduction in early clinical experiences.

Dental students' perceptions and educational impact of preclinical interactive videos compared and in combination with live demonstrations.

OBJECTIVE: To study the utility of simulation videos with embedded quiz items compared and in combination with live hands-on demonstrations of dental procedures. METHODS: Thirty-three videos with embedded items were developed to help students understand the procedures they had to practice in the simulation laboratory. Videos were uploaded to the university LMS platform for students to watch and complete the embedded items as many times as they liked. All 76 students from 2021 and 73 from 2022 Integrated Dentistry III courses were invited to participate in the study. Practical (OSCE) and theoretical (MCQ) exam grades of the 2021 academic year, when interactive videos replaced live demonstrations, were collected and compared to those of the previous years (2017-2020) when only live demonstrations were performed, as were those from the 2022 academic year, when videos were complemented with hands-on live demonstrations. At the end of each year, a perception questionnaire was voluntarily completed by the students. RESULTS: Assessment grades were significantly higher in the 2021 academic year when interactive videos were incorporated versus the 2017-2020 period when only live demonstrations were performed. However, the combination of interactive videos with live demonstrations performed during 2022 showed the highest exam grades. Seventy-nine percent of students answered the questionnaire, highly valued the utility of the interactive videos and liked the embedded items. Overall, they stated that they learned from the videos. CONCLUSIONS: Interactive videos of preclinical procedures with embedded items combined with live demonstrations can significantly enhance students' learning and are valued by students.

Students' and tutors' perceptions of a deliberate simulated practice using patient-specific virtual and three-dimensional printed teeth models: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: This pilot study aimed to investigate the perceptions of dental students and their tutors of a deliberate simulated practice using patient-specific virtual and three-dimensional (3D) printed teeth models. This is before they perform their first indirect posterior tooth restoration on their patients. METHODS: Seventy-eight fourth-year dental students from the 2021 Comprehensive Clinic I course at the University of the Andes, Chile, were invited to participate in a deliberate practice protocol. This consisted of digitally scanning their patients' teeth, printing the files three-dimensionally, and loading them into a virtual reality (VR) dental simulator to create patient-specific models. Subsequently, they practiced the same indirect posterior restorations on these models before performing them on their actual patients. Perceptions about students' preparedness to perform tooth preparations before and after the protocol were collected from students and their tutors through surveys. RESULTS: Sixty-three students (43 female) and six clinical tutors (all male) participated in the study. Before practicing with their patient-specific models, most students believed they had the knowledge, practical skills, and self-confidence to perform indirect restorations on their patients. However, after the protocol, most students thought their self-confidence increased and felt better prepared to treat their patients. Most students preferred the 3D-printed models over the VR models to practice but mentioned that it did not feel like drilling dental enamel. Tutors believed that participating students had higher self-confidence when treating their patients and were more autonomous. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that students and clinical tutors had positive perceptions of practicing with patient-specific virtual and 3D-printed teeth models before students performed their first indirect restorations on their patients.

Exploring teachers' motivation to teach: A multisite study on the associations with the work climate, students' motivation, and teaching approaches.

PURPOSE: Using Self-determination Theory, the purpose was to determine whether work climate, students' motivation, and teachers' basic psychological needs could predict clinical teachers' autonomous and controlled motivation to teach and whether clinical teachers' motivations could predict student- and teacher-centered teaching approaches METHODS: A correlational cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018 across 3 Dental Schools in Chile, in which 206 clinical teachers participated (80.4% response rate). Data were collected on demographic characteristics and 5 self-reported questionnaires measuring teachers' perceptions of the work climate, students' motivation, the satisfaction and frustration of their basic psychological needs, motivation to teach, and teaching approaches. Data were analyzed using bivariate correlations and structural equation modeling. RESULTS: Alpha coefficients were acceptable (0.701-0.948). Correlation and structural equation modeling analyses showed that teachers' perceiving a work climate characterized by a supportive supervisor-teacher relationship and students' autonomous motivation, predicted the satisfaction of their basic psychological needs leading to autonomous motivation to teach. Autonomous motivation to teach, in turn, predicted a student-centered teaching approach. These results were controlled for the confounding effects of age, gender, teaching experience, and type of university. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that clinical teachers' optimal motivation is of paramount importance for promoting an adequate learning environment. Therefore, efforts should be made to understand and foster different aspects that promote clinical teachers' satisfaction of their basic psychological needs and autonomous motivation, especially regarding the role of teachers' supervisors and how teachers perceive their students' motivation.

La importancia de la educación interprofesional en la enseñanza de la odontología: una revisión sistemática exploratoria analizando el dónde, el porqué y el cómo / The importance of inter-professional education in the teaching and learning of dentistry: A scoping systematic review analysing the where, why and how

En años recientes, la educación interprofesional ha aumentado su popularidad en la formación de odontólogos con el fin de facilitar la colaboración entre los miembros del equipo de salud y mejorar la calidad en la atención profesional. Por consiguiente, el propósito de este estudio es describir y analizar dónde, por qué y cómo se está realizando la educación interprofesional en la enseñanza de la odontología. Se realizó una revisión sistemática exploratoria a través de la búsqueda en diversas bases de datos, revistas relevantes, y literatura gris. Posteriormente se llevó a cabo un análisis temático para sintetizar la información. Treinta artículos fueron seleccionados, en su mayoría realizados en contextos norteamericanos y europeos, y en conjunto principalmente con estudiantes de medicina, enfermería y farmacia. La principal justificación para incorporar este tipo de enseñanza fue la necesidad de fomentar y valorar el trabajo en equipo para responder a las necesidades de salud de la actual población. El aprendizaje en equipos, la resolución de problemas, y el método de casos fueron las estrategias comúnmente empleadas, reportándose cambios positivos en habilidades de comunicación y colaboración entre los estudiantes. La discusión se centra en los beneficios y recomendaciones al planificar instancias de educación interprofesional en la enseñanza de la odontología

In recent years, inter-professional education has increased its popularity in the teaching and learning of dentists, with the aim of improving collaboration and quality of service. The purpose of this study, therefore, is to describe and analyse the where, why and how of inter-professional education in dental education. A scoping systematic review was conducted by searching multiple databases, a manual search of relevant journals, and in the grey literature. A thematic analysis was then performed on the data. Most of the 30 articles retrieved were produced in North American and European settings, and mainly jointly with medical, nursing and pharmacy students. The main justification was the need to promote and value teamwork in order to meet the needs of patients. Team-based, problem-based, and case-based learning were the most common learning strategies found. These reported positive changes with regards to communication and collaboration between inter-professional students. The discussion is centred on the benefits and recommendations when planning inter-professional education interventions in dental education

Motivational profiles and their relationships with basic psychological needs, academic performance, study strategies, self-esteem, and vitality in dental students in Chile.

PURPOSE: To determine dental students' motivational profiles through a person-centred approach and to analyse the associations with the satisfaction of their basic psychological needs, study strategies, academic performance, self-esteem, and vitality. METHODS: A total of 924 students from the University of San Sebastian (Chile) participated in this cross-sectional cor¬relational study in spring 2016. Data were collected through 5 self-reported instruments, in addition to students' academic performance. The Cronbach alpha, descriptive statistics, and correla¬tion scores were computed. A k-means cluster analysis with intrinsic and controlled motivation was conducted to identify different mo-tivational profiles. Subsequently, multivariate analysis of covariance controlling for the effects of gender and year of study was carried out to assess differences among the retained motivational profiles and learning variables. RESULTS: All instruments showed acceptable Cronbach alpha scores. A 4-cluster solution was retained for the motivational profile over a 3- or 5-cluster solution. Students' motiva-tional profiles were characterized by different degrees of intrinsic and controlled motivation. The high intrinsic motivation groups showed higher perceptions of their basic psychological, a greater propensity for a deep rather than surface study strategy, better academic performance, and higher scores for self-esteem and vitality than the low intrinsic motivation groups, regardless of the degree of controlled motivation. CONCLUSION: Students with a high intrinsic motivation profile, regardless of their controlled motivation scores, reported better learning characteristics. Therefore, special attention should be paid to students' motivational profiles, as the quality of motivation might serve as a basis for interventions to support their academic success and well-being.

Impact of Faculty Development Workshops in Student-Centered Teaching Methodologies on Faculty Members' Teaching and Their Students' Perceptions.

The aim of this study was to assess, after one year, the impact of faculty development in teaching and learning skills focused on a learner-centered approach on faculty members' perceptions of and approaches to teaching and on their students' learning experiences and approaches. Before training (2014), all 176 faculty members at a dental school in Chile were invited to complete the Approaches to Teaching Inventory (ATI) to assess their teaching approaches (student- vs. teacher-focused). In 2015, all 496 students were invited to complete the Study Process Questionnaire (R-SPQ-2F) to assess their learning approaches (deep or surface) and the Course Experience Questionnaire (CEQ) to measure their teaching quality perceptions. Subsequently, faculty development workshops on student-centered teaching methodologies were delivered, followed by peer observation. In March 2016, all 176 faculty members and 491 students were invited to complete a second ATI (faculty) and R-SPQ-2 and CEQ (students). Before (2014) and after (2016) the training, 114 (65%) and 116 (66%) faculty members completed the ATI, respectively, and 89 (49%) of the then-181 faculty members completed the perceptions of skills development questionnaire in September 2016. In 2015, 373 students (75%) completed the R-SPQ-2F and CEQ; 412 (83%) completed both questionnaires in 2016. In 2014, the faculty results showed that student-focused teaching was significantly higher in preclinical and clinical courses than in the basic sciences. In 2016, teacher-focused teaching fell significantly; basic science teaching improved the most. Students in both the 2015 and 2016 cohorts had lower mean scores for deep learning approaches from year 1 on, while they increased their scores for surface learning. The students' perceptions of faculty members' good teaching, appropriate assessment, clear goals, and e-learning improved significantly, but perception of appropriate workload did not. Teaching and learning skills development produced significant gains in student-centered teaching for these faculty members and in some students' perceptions of teaching quality. However, student workload needs to be considered to support deep learning.

Fostering Dental Students' Academic Achievements and Reflection Skills Through Clinical Peer Assessment and Feedback.

Peer assessment is increasingly being encouraged to enhance dental students' learning. The aim of this study was to evaluate the educational impact in terms of academic achievements and reflective thinking of a formative prospective peer assessment and feedback protocol. Volunteer final-year dental students at King's College London Dental Institute, UK, received training on peer assessment, peer feedback, and self-reflection. At the beginning (baseline) and end (resultant) of the 2012-13 academic year, 86 students (55% of the year group) completed a reflection questionnaire (RQ). Sixty-eight of those students used a modified Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS) as a framework for peer assessment and peer feedback during a complete academic year. End-of-year, high-stakes examination grades and RQ scores from the participants and nonparticipants were statistically compared. The participants completed 576 peer DOPS. Those 22 students who peer assessed each other ≥10 times exhibited highly statistically significant differences and powerful positive effect sizes in their high-stakes exam grades (p=0.0001, d=0.74) and critical reflection skills (p=0.005, d=1.41) when compared to those who did not assess one another. Furthermore, only the same 22 students showed a statistically significant increase and positive effect size in their critical reflection skills from baseline to resultant (p=0.003, d=1.04). The results of this study suggest that the protocol used has the potential to impact dental students' academic and reflection skills, provided it is practiced in ten or more peer encounters and ensuring peer feedback is provided followed by self-reflection.

Student acceptability of high-stakes e-assessment in dental education: using privacy screen filters to control cheating.

Acceptability is a required quality for a sound assessment. For students, acceptability of a test is strongly influenced by perception of fairness. Computer-based assessment has been reported to be preferred by students provided that strict controls to prevent cheating are in place. This may be difficult to achieve as e-assessments are often taken in learning environments where computer screens are close together. In this study, 138 Year 5 dental students completed an e-assessment followed by an onscreen post-assessment questionnaire about the acceptability, fairness, and effectiveness of using privacy screen filters installed in front of their monitors to prevent cheating. Ninety-one percent of students in this study considered that taking a summative e-assessment with privacy screen filters was acceptable, 86 percent expressed the view that filters contributed to a fairer test, and 54 percent reported the filters made it easier or did not make any difference to read the screen. In addition, 60 percent gave positive comments and feedback, mainly focused on prevention of cheating. These findings suggest that privacy filters, originally developed for data protection in banks, medicine, and business, have potential in e-assessment in higher education. They provide an effective way of hampering cheating and improve student acceptability and confidence in the fairness of computer-delivered assessments.