Introducing and Evaluating MorphoDent, a Web‐Based Learning Program in Dental Morphology

Abstract

MorphoDent, a computer-assisted learning program designed to teach the anatomy of the adult dentition, was introduced into the curriculum of dentistry at the University of Saarland in Homburg, Germany. Thirty-six second-year students of the School of Dentistry were introduced to morphoDent alongside the traditional lectures of dental anatomy. Questionnaires that evaluated the students' perceptions of virtual learning as well as aspects of the functionality of the program educational objectives were developed and distributed to the students. Online tests were performed and compared with a traditional examination. All questionnaires were returned. A wide variety of aspects dealing the pedagogic implications of e-learning were evaluated by the students, with the overall result being that students are aware of the needed hardware and technical skills and expect the quality of their studies to improve by implementation of e-learning. All sophomores except one felt that morphoDent had helped them in learning dental morphology and reported enjoying the virtual anatomical examination. One-third reported technical dificulties in operating the program. The average exam score was 2.53 (SD: 0.66) for the traditional and 2.23 (SD: 0.59) for the online dental anatomy test. Students expressed their positive attitude towards e-learning in general and indicated that the use of photorealistic 3D models of human teeth supported the process of individual learning of dental anatomy. The online test could be rated as a good option for students' self-performance rating.

Optimizing quality of dental carving by preclinical dental students through anatomy theory reinforcement

“…Over the last 10–15 years, this link has been a trend in education and an effective element of teaching (Scheven, ; Buchaim et al, ). Some new methods have been developed as alternative ways to enhance dentistry teaching, including computer graphic programs (tooth morphology) that can provide a three‐dimensional view of the dental anatomy (Mitov et al, ; Leisnert et al, ; Magne, ; Reissmann et al, ; Yammine and Violato, ; Bakr et al, ) and online learning media, an important additional modality of teaching and training for dental and medical students (Mahmoodi et al, ). These methods have proven to be important for motivating and teaching dental students.…”

Desenvolvimento de uma plataforma multimídia como objeto didático para compreensão dos eventos da gênese dentária

“…Dentro deste mesmo contexto outros trabalhos como o de Maggio et al 10 , Vuchkova et al 15 , Mitov et al 16 e Boynton et al 17 , perceberam a melhora na assimilação dos conteúdos quando os recursos tecnológicos eram integrados ao currículo tradicional.…”

“…Como exemplos de softwares com finalidade no ensino e capacitação da Odontologia surgem, o software de Visualização em 3D desenvolvido por Vuchkova et al 15 , que tem por objetivo o ensino da interpretação radiográfica das patologias bucais; o MorphoDent desen-volvido por Mitov et al 16 relacionado ao ensino da anatomia da dentição adulta; e o Interactive Histology Software (IHS) desenvolvido por Rosas et al 20 , que direciona o ensino da histologia com imagens em alta resolução, associada a rótulos com textos informativos.…”

Students’ Perceptions of Dental Anatomy Course at the University of Jordan = رأي الطلاب في مادة تشريح الأسنان العملي في الجامعة الأردنية

“…As the development of manual skills and the continuous improvement and acquisition of new motor dexterity skills are the basics for dental practice (3,4) , dental anatomy courses that have a tooth carving element begin to develop students' psychomotor skills for restoring teeth to proper form and function at an early stage in the dental curriculum (1) . This is done through a combination of two-dimensional drawing projects and exercises to carve teeth from oversized wax blocks (1,5) . In some schools students participate in add-on waxing exercises and have small-group discussion/review sessions with study models of the adult dentition.…”

“…Dental anatomy presents particular challenges for both students and teachers (1,5) being one of the first courses directly related to teeth and oral function. Didactic part of dental morphology in most schools is usually delivered in the traditional lecture form and students' knowledge is tested with written examinations (6) .…”