Effectiveness of Computer-Aided Removable Partial Denture Design |
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Authors: | Terry J Lindquist DDS MS James M S Clancy DDS MS Lynn A Johnson PhD Frank J Wiebelt DDS MS |
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Institution: | Assistant Professor, Department of Prosthodontics, University of Iowa College of Dentistry, Iowa City, IA.;Associate Professor, Department of Prosthodontics, University of Iowa College of Dentistry, Iowa City, IA.;Assistant Professor, Department of Oral Pathology, Radiology, and Medicine, University of Iowa College of Dentistry, Iowa City, IA.;Associate Professor and Chairman, Department of Removable Prothodontics, College of Dentistry, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK. |
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Abstract: | Purpose Computer programs have been developed for removable partial denture (RPD) design, but their educational impact has never been investigated. This study measured the effectiveness of computer-based RPD design simulations in a traditional RPD design course for second-year dental students. Materials and Methods Thirty-six students were randomly assigned to four groups, two simulation and two control groups, at the beginning of the RPD design module. A cross-over design compared the two strategies during laboratory exercises. First, the simulation group worked with the simulation, while the control group met in small-group seminars with faculty. Post-test 1 was given, and then students switched teaching methods and post-test 2 was given. Each post-test had two parts. Part 1 involved designing an RPD based on specific patient criteria. Part 2 involved choosing the more correct of the two designs. Results Results showed a significant difference (p= .0072) in two of four test groups. Although it was an initial evaluation, the computer simulation was shown to be equivalent to faculty-led small-group seminars. Students also responded positively to a questionnaire on their perceived effectiveness of the simulations. Conclusions The results suggest that RPD design can be taught as effectively with computer-based simulations as with faculty-led seminars. |
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Keywords: | computer simulation dental education |
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