Skill Retention of Light-Curing Technique Using Only Verbal Instructions versus Using an Instructional Video: A 2-Year Follow-Up Study of Dental Students

Abstract

Purpose To evaluate the retention of light-curing skills among dental students after two years of clinical experience and determine if there are any differences in the skills retention between students who received verbal instructions or those who had received an instructional video. The students' satisfaction with past learning, self-confidence, and general knowledge about light-curing were also evaluated. Methods This study is a 2-year evaluation of previous work. Students had previously been divided into two groups: those who received only verbal instructions, and those who received only an instructional video about the correct light curing technique to use clinically. Each student had light-cured simulated restorations (anterior and posterior) for 10 sec using the Managing Accurate Resin Curing-Patient Simulator (MARC-PS) (BlueLight Analytics, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada) and a multiple-emission peak light-emitting-diode (Bluephase N, Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein) curing light. Students then received instructions according to their assigned group and light-cured the simulated cavities again. Two years later, students from both groups light-cured the same simulated cavities. Then, they completed a modified version of the National League of Nursing (NLN) satisfaction and self-confidence questionnaire and answered light-curing knowledge questions. Statistical analysis: The mean radiant exposure values delivered before receiving specific instructions on light curing, immediately after, and two years after instruction for both teaching methods (Friedman test followed by Wilcoxon signed-rank post hoc test), and the difference between both teaching methods was assessed (two-sample Wilcoxon rank-sum test). The satisfaction and self-confidence scores were compared between teaching method groups (Wilcoxon rank-sum test) (p<0.05). Results The mean and median irradiance values ranged between 194-1777 and 1223–1302 mW/cm 2 before instructions, 320-1689 and 1254–1394 mW/cm 2 immediately after instructions, and 95-1945 and 1260–1331 mW/cm 2 two years later regardless of the simulated restoration or the teaching method. The mean and median radiant exposure values ranged between 2-23 and 12.5–13.6.4 J/cm 2 before instructions, 3-28 and 12.8–14.3 mW/cm 2 immediately after instructions, and 0.7-20 and 12.8–13.6 mW/cm 2 two years later regardless of the simulated tooth being light cured and the teaching method. Students retained their light-curing skills after two years of clinical experience, with no significant differences between both groups. The instructional video group delivered significantly higher radiant exposure values (p=0.021) when light-curing the anterior tooth than the posterior. Students were satisfied with their past learning and confident in their light-curing skil...

Shedding light on the problem: Proficiency and maintenance practices of light‐curing units among dental assistants

“…Also, providing refresher courses is necessary as the retention of scientific knowledge decreases over time. 38 Hence, DAs in all practice settings should undergo regular training and participate in continuing education programs to bridge the knowledge gap and remain current with the latest LCU advancements. To maximize effectiveness, educational and training programs must be easily accessible and well-structured.…”

“…Additionally, providing opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth through training programs to raise standards across all practice settings is essential. Also, providing refresher courses is necessary as the retention of scientific knowledge decreases over time 38 . Hence, DAs in all practice settings should undergo regular training and participate in continuing education programs to bridge the knowledge gap and remain current with the latest LCU advancements.…”

Spatially Distributed Light Exposure: Impact on Light Transmission through CAD/CAM Resin-Based Composites of Different Thicknesses

“…The importance of the correct handling of light-curing has long been anchored in the consciousness of dentists and is taught and practiced intensively in dental universities [9]. Nonetheless, errors related to incorrect choice and placement of the light curing unit (LCU) during polymerization still occur [10], which are not always attributable to the dentist but often to unfavorable clinical circumstances.…”