The use of mobile-aided learning in education of local anesthesia for the inferior alveolar nerve block

Abstract

Background/Aim. Dental education has developed over the years, and various technologies have been included. Considering the fact that mobile devices are an imperative of modern time, the aim of our research was to evaluate effectiveness of Mobile-Aided Learning on practical administering the inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB). Methods. This prospective study involved 34 students who were randomly divided into two groups: G1 (control) group with 16 students and G2 (study) group with 18 students. Students of both groups previously successfully completed theoretical and practical training provided by the curriculum. For the purpose of additional education, students of the G2 group used a mobile application for 3D simulation of local anesthesia (Mobile-Aided Learning) outside the dental office for a period of one semester. After that, all students completed a post-clinical questionnaire. Results. The average time for performing anesthesia by participants in the G1 group was 70.54 ? 20.16 seconds, while in the G2 group it was 57.13 ? 17.45 seconds, which was significantly shorter (p ? 0.05). A successful anesthesia application was higher in the G2 group (83.3%) compared to the G1 group (75%). The results of the post-clinical test questionnaire also indicated difference in the mean values of the responses to all questions, which was in favor of the G2 group participants. Conclusion. Application of Mobile-Aided Learning showed a significantly higher efficiency in student education for practical implementation of the IANB.

The effect of a mobile application for learning about traumatic dental injuries during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…The median score for statements related to satisfaction with the learning application was 20 (18.5-20) and significantly higher than the neutral value (p<0.001). The median score for statements related to mastering of clinical protocol using the application was 20 (16)(17)(18)(19)(20) and significantly higher than the neutral value (p<0.001).…”

“…Results Over 90% of the respondents stated that the application facilitated a learning process, improved their understanding of the teaching unit, and provided a great convenience in terms of access to information. Median value of the total score concerning clinical protocol by the use of application was 20 (16)(17)(18)(19)(20), which was significantly higher than the neutral value (p < 0.001). Median value of the total score concerning the use of conventional PowerPoint presentations did not differ significantly from the neutral value (p = 0.284).…”

“…Given that in normal conditions the average person spends up to 5.5 hours a day on their phone [20], we can assume that in quarantine conditions, during a state of emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this number increased greatly. According to the available data, no mobile application for managing TDIs is available in Serbian.…”

Practice of local anesthesia applications in 3D environment during the COVID‐19 pandemic

“…As a means of self-management, it can provoke a positive response in students and can further motivate them, and it finds a special place in e-learning during emergencies or in remote areas. 4,5…”

A simple calculation of the maximum dose of the local anesthetic in pediatric dentistry with nomogram

“…The application of local anesthetics in the immediate vicinity of nerve fibers temporarily prevents the transmission of painful impulses, as long as its concentration at the site of action is sufficient 2 . Local anesthetics are the most commonly used drugs in dental practice and are used to eliminate pain during a variety of dental interventions 3 . To enhance the effect, a vasoconstrictor is added to local anesthetics, thus prolonging the duration of local anesthesia 4 .…”