Self–Directed Study and Carving Tooth Models for Learning Tooth Morphology: Perceptions of Students at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland

Abstract

Tooth morphology has been taught at the University of Aberdeen Dental School, United Kingdom, through self-directed workshops, using online handouts and tooth models. Tooth carving sessions were recently added to introduce manual skills training through learning tooth morphology at an early stage of the dental course. The aim of this study was to assess students' perception of both teaching modalities to evaluate their usefulness and to allow further course development. The subjects of this study were irst-year dental students. Students' opinions were sought upon completion of the tooth morphology sessions using a structured questionnaire that investigated their views about the effectiveness of both learning methods. The results suggest that self-directed workshops represent an effective way of learning tooth morphology; however, the students recommended further development of the course to make it more focused. Although students questioned the value of the carving sessions, they agreed that it helped to develop their manual dexterity, which was one of the main objectives of the exercise. Further review and development of the course is required in addition to follow-up of the students' performance in clinical skills to further elucidate any advantages of tooth carving to advocate it as a mode of learning.

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

“…In addition to scientific knowledge, the student must possess an ability to develop the manual skills necessary for the practical application of this knowledge (McHarg and Kay, ; Eid et al, ). There is a wide variety of teaching techniques that any teacher can adapt to his/her teaching style, the characteristics of the students, and the classroom (Eid et al, ; de Azevedo Rde et al, ; Magne, ; Bakr et al, ).…”

“…However, the age‐old exercise of carving using wax remains the gold standard when compared to E‐learning techniques (Patil et al, ). Wax carving continues to be the most used method for teaching tooth morphology in schools worldwide (Eid et al, ).…”

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Tooth Morphology among the Dentists of Kathmandu

“…4,5,9,10 However, few suggested it helped to develop psychomotor skills and manual dexterity. 3,11 In addition, the knowledge helped in restorative and prosthodontic procedures. 3 Many studies have suggested to use new methods along with the traditional methods of teaching.…”

“…15 Teaching tooth morphology has also been supplemented with digital atlases. 11 These days newer methods have been utilized as an alternative way to enhance and support the traditional methods such as digital methods utilizing computer graphics methods and online teaching methods have also been adopted in many countries. 16,17 The use of computer assisted instruction along with traditional wax carving have also been suggested to enhance the learning capacity.…”

A 2d Dental Morphological Image Augmented to Assist Improving Traditional Hand Carving Skills in Dentistry

“…Concerning the cost, number of students, and staff's difficulty, lessons of carving tooth models in wax or soap had been dropped in some university [5]. Alternatively, self-directed workshops using online handouts and digital tooth model to teach carving and tooth morphology was proposed to meet teaching requirements.…”