Preclinical Course in Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) Digital Dentistry: Introduction, Technology and Systems Evaluation, and Exercise

Abstract

Introduction Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology is an innovative digital system capable of scanning prepared teeth that are intended to receive crowns, bridges, and inlays and then effectively designing and fabricating restorations. Many dental schools are currently implementing this innovative CAD/CAM technology as part of their curricula and at University of Florida College of Dentistry we created a hands-on elective. Methods The 5-week course requires 2- to 3-hours of time per week for the lectures and labs. The sessions cover an introduction to digital dentistry, technology and systems evaluation, an exercise for scanning, designing, milling, and finishing a single unit ceramic restoration, and a final exam. The students also gave presentations about systems and materials used. The classroom exercises included small-group learning and class debate sessions. Results In 2015, two 5-week sessions included a total of 16 participants (8 each). The overall course satisfaction from the combined two rounds was 4.7 out of 5. Comments for the course have been generally positive, indicating that the course was a successful introduction to CAD/CAM technology. Students’ comments showed that they were very impressed by the new technology and interested in implementing it in their practices. Discussion This exercise in the comparison between CAD/CAM and conventional technology resulted in a deeper understanding of digital dentistry systems and ensured that students were prepared in their clinical reasoning to apply their education in real-world decision making after graduation. By integrating this new technology in a core curriculum, preclinical, prosthodontic sophomore course and as a junior elective course, students were provided with the hands-on experience needed to utilize CAD/CAM effectively in patient care.

Effect of educational intervention on computer‐aided‐design and computer‐aided‐manufacturing technology to preclinical dental students

“…Based on this study's results, the video presentation intervention group showed significantly higher hands‐on simulation exercise assessment scores than the traditional lecture control group. The student's ability to replicate the CAD/CAM exercise requirements can be accredited to the video presentation intervention of faculty demonstrating the exercise procedures with a focus on student‐centered learning 11 . This research was conducted in a hands‐on course in the predental curriculum at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry, USA.…”

“…The student's ability to replicate the CAD/CAM exercise requirements can be accredited to the video presentation intervention of faculty demonstrating the exercise procedures with a focus on student-centered learning. 11 This research was conducted in a hands-on course in the predental curriculum at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry, USA. Perhaps providing students with a hands-on video demonstrating the simulation exercise steps allowed for easier comprehension of the exercise steps rather than a static PowerPoint presentation.…”

“…[4][5][6] In general, dental schools start the CAD/CAM educative process in the second or third years of dental education after the students have started or finished foundational dental and digital technology courses. 11,12 Meeting the market demand for digitally trained dental practitioners means universities will need to strategically place the CAD/CAM education process earlier in the predental curriculum while ensuring students are self-efficient and able to handle the complexity of digital practical steps. According to a previous perceived general Self-Efficacy Scale, T-norms were derived from a sample of adults(n = 1594) with a reported mean SES score of 29.48 and a standard deviation of 5.13.…”

Revolutionizing Dental Health Care: An In-Depth Exploration of Technological Advancements

“…This technology is evolving into the industrial IoT, where machines can communicate with each other in real-time for the precise treatment process, resulting in high-quality treatment and surgery with minimal time waste. 9 10 Health care workers can quickly review the procedure and tests performed to better treat patients. Dentistry devices, with the help of the Internet, function as a Cyber-Physical System where the information contained within the devices via sensors is more valuable than the devices themselves.…”

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“…This technology is evolving into the industrial IoT, where machines can communicate with each other in real-time for the precise treatment process, resulting in high-quality treatment and surgery with minimal time waste. 9,10 Health care workers can quickly review the procedure and tests performed to better treat patients. Dentistry devices, with the help of the Internet, function as a Cyber-Physical System where the information contained within the devices via sensors is more valuable than the devices themselves.…”