To Develop and Implement a Preclinical Operative Dentistry Module to Enhance Class-II Cavity Preparation Training.

BACKGROUND

A competent dental undergraduate at the preclinical level will ensure a confident transition into clinics and quality treatment for patients. Cavity preparation of a tooth is one of the key competencies in dentistry. A preclinical training module was introduced to enhance the skill training and improve students' learning.

AIM

This study aims to develop and implement a preclinical operative dentistry module to enhance Class-II cavity preparation training.

METHODOLOGY

Feedback was taken from the 3 year undergraduate batch regarding the preclinical operative dentistry training. Based on the feedback, a training module was developed and implemented for Class-II cavity preparation for 2 year dental students. The three-stage intervention included a preparatory intervention with a Prebrief PowerPoint presentation, followed by a live demonstration of the Class-II cavity preparation and access to a video demonstration. In the third stage, formative assessments were conducted with the help of an assessment rubric. At the end, student and faculty perceptions were gathered using a feedback survey.

RESULTS

Most students (98%) were satisfied with the training. All the faculty strongly agreed that the module should be part of future training. Video demonstration and rubric-based assessments were testified by 93% of students as the most helpful element of the module. Major themes after thematic analysis were a better understanding of the procedure, enhanced visualization, the ability to identify areas for improvement, and boosted confidence for final exams.

CONCLUSIONS

The preclinical training module successfully met the needs of the participating undergraduate students. Video demonstration proved a beneficial digital learning resource.