Assessing likelihood of using the Bruininks–Oseretsky test of motor proficiency to predict preclinical performance of dental students

Abstract

ObjectiveThe acquisition of motor skills is a key competency for the practice of dentistry, and innate abilities have been shown to influence motor performance. Thus, finding the most efficient manual dexterity tests may predict performance of dental students. The current study used the Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, to assess motor skills of first year (D1) and second year (D2) dental students.Materials and methodsThree fine motor subsets of the BOT‐2—fine motor precision, fine motor integration, and manual dexterity—were administered to D1 and D2 dental students in 2017 and 2018. The BOT‐2 subset scores of D1 students were compared with those of D2 students, who had preclinical dental experiences. For D2 students, we tested for correlations between BOT‐2 subset scores and performance scores in a preclinical operative dentistry course.ResultsNo differences were found between D1 and D2 students for any BOT‐2 subtest scores (all Ps > .09). No correlations were found between total scores of each BOT‐2 subtest and the operative dentistry course for D2 students (all Ps > .20).ConclusionsOur results suggested the BOT‐2 was not predictive of manual skills of dental applicants or preclinical dental students. Although we assumed students would perform well with instruction, practice, and feedback, we were unable to determine whether innate abilities influenced acquisition of manual dexterity skills. More research about the acquisition of technical clinical skills in dentistry is required.

The impact of reflex‐based recreational activities and preclinical training on psychomotor skills in an educational dental environment

“…However, they were insufficient to serve as admissions standards for dentistry students. 3,8 In two long-term observational studies with two cohorts, participants' dental performance increased following practice with standard psychometric exams, a motivation survey, a cavity preparation exercise, and a Simodont Dental Trainer (VR). The participants were evaluated before to and following practice with these tests, and a correlation between reflex activities and hand-eye coordination in an educational setting was found to be statistically significant.…”

“…Of the 10 studies, five were performed in USA, 3,5,6,8,9 one in Europe, 10 one in Hong Kong, 11 one in Israel, 12 one in Thailand, 4 and one in Saudi Arabia. 13 The 10 included studies were observational cohort studies.…”

“…6,12 One study used Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency. 8 One study used interview questionnaires. 4 Other studies used different exercises related to manual dexterity like O'Connor Tweezer Dexterity test, 12 tactile discrimination of texture, 10 cavity preparation test, 4 Handwriting and Drawing Test, 13 Novel Object Cross-Section Test, 9 and block carving test.…”

“…6 Al-Johany et al, found significant association between handwriting and drawing skills and dental skills. 13 On the other hand, other investigators 3,[8][9][10] show that the tests performed were inadequate measures of manual dexterity and are not recommended for application purposes such as university admissions or predicting student performance. These tests include novel object crosssection test, manual dexterity block carving test, BOT-2 test (Bruininks-Oseretsky test), Frostig perception test, Vayer psycho-motor profile, and other tests using Montessoritype materials.…”

“…Hegarty et al suggested that other studies and samples had inconsistencies regarding which spatial ability test (Mental Rotation or Visualization of Views) was more correlated with performance on the cross section tests. In contrast, several researchers 3,[8][9][10] demonstrate that the tests used were unsatisfactory measures of man-ual dexterity and are not suggested for applications such as university admissions or forecasting student success. These tests include the novel object cross-section test, the manual dexterity block carving test, the BOT-2 test (Bruininks-Oseretsky test), the Frostig perception test, the Vayer psycho-motor profile, and additional tests utilizing Montessori-type materials.…”