Effect of training on time efficiency and marginal adaptation of computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacturing crowns among dental students

Abstract

Introduction The computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology has revolutionised dentistry at present. An operator's skills can affect the overall clinical duration and marginal accuracy of the prosthesis fabricated through this workflow. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of CAD/CAM hands‐on training compared with that of a self‐instructional video on the performance of dental students in digital impression and fabrication of a CAD/CAM crown. Methods In this cross‐sectional study, 30 undergraduate dental students were shown a CEREC demonstration video. Each operator then captured a digital impression using the intra‐oral scanner, and a crown was subsequently milled. All participants underwent a training course before repeating the process. Marginal discrepancy for each crown on its abutment tooth was measured before and after training using a stereomicroscope and was evaluated using Wilcoxon signed rank test. The duration taken for the process was recorded before and after training and evaluated using paired t‐test. Results The overall mean ±standard deviation marginal adaptation for the CEREC crowns was 78.15 ± 42.83 μm before training and 52.41 ± 17.12 μm after training. The Wilcoxon signed rank test found significant difference (p < .05) in terms of marginal adaptation of crowns fabricated before and after training. Paired t‐tests showed that the time efficiency after training significantly improved compared with that before training. Conclusions Training with guided feedback is crucial to improve the time efficiency of making a digital impression and marginal adaptation of fixed prosthesis using the CAD/CAM technology.

Assessment of the students’ performance and support needs in a novel digital carving exercise

“…In addition to the contribution of the digital carving exercise to enhancing the students’ ability to carve wax, our data provide evidence that the students’ ability to carry out the exercise has grown positively over the course of three academic years. This finding is in line with that of another study that reported significant improvement in the quality of computer‐aided design outcomes produced by undergraduate dental students over time 32 . Two arguments can be made to explain these results.…”

“…Theories in medical education, such as Ericsson's Deliberate Practice Model, emphasize the significance of instant and constructive feedback in developing students' competence in hands-on learning activities. 32,39 Of note, the participating students in our study extrapolated the potential impact of these support strategies to include promoting their overall well-being, boosting their confidence, and maintaining their self-esteem.…”

“…This finding is in line with that of another study that reported significant improvement in the quality of computer-aided design outcomes produced by undergraduate dental students over time. 32 Two arguments can be made to explain these results. First, in our case, it is possible that the examples we provided to students from the previous cohorts' digital carving work served as an additional and guiding learning resource that reduced the tasks' unfamiliarity and consequently resulted in better outcomes.…”

An overview of three‐dimensional imaging devices in dentistry

“…In clinical practice, a scanner's accuracy may also be influenced by individual patient factors, such as the amount of saliva/blood, extent of mouth opening, and oral movements. Additionally, the level of training of the operator affects the accuracy of the scanners 125–127 . Precise and swift measurements are beneficial for obtaining accurate digital impressions 2 .…”

“…Additionally, the level of training of the operator affects the accuracy of the scanners. [125][126][127] Precise and swift measurements are beneficial for obtaining accurate digital impressions. 2 Common errors include non-linear powder application, inappropriate oral cavity scanner placement, and insufficient data.…”