Training Device for Dental Students to Practice Mirror‐Inverted Movements

Abstract

The goal of this study was to explore whether the ability of precise mirror-inverted movements can be learned and improved with the device Mirroprep and whether practice success can be transferred to the clinical situation. Three groups of students at different levels of dental study and different achievement levels were asked to perform a drawing exercise with indirect vision using Mirroprep. Further, the group of most senior students were asked whether the motor skills learned with this device were helpful in clinical tooth preparations by use of the dental mirror. According to the test results, we were able to show that mirror-inverted motor functions can be learned and improved by practice and that it is also helpful for performing tooth preparations. Because of this, it is deemed reasonable for students to start practicing with the training device during their preclinical studies and to have their skills tested.Dr. Günter Rau is Senior Dentist,

Jumpstart Mirror Trainer: A New Device for Teaching Mirror Skills to First‐Year Dental Students

“…A previous study found that students who practiced with Mirroprep improved their ability to draw on paper while looking through a mirror 4 . Students in that study also reported that they felt Mirroprep would help them perform cavity preparations in an actual patient.…”

“…‐ 3 A commercially available device, Mirroprep, was developed based on these principles. One study found that using Mirroprep improved students' ability to accurately trace lines on paper using a handpiece‐shaped pencil while looking through a mirror 4 . However, that study did not test students' improvements in performing actual dental procedures following the training sessions.…”

The effect of indirect vision skills on head and shoulder posture amongst Korean dental hygienists

“…Dental hygienists are commonly exposed to various occupational health hazards, such as infection, repetitive movements and the noises and mechanical vibrations generated by dental instruments . In particular, the maintenance of awkward working postures (eg neck flexion) for extended periods of time to ensure visibility in the narrow oral cavity has become a problem . Prolonged static postures lead to considerable strain and fatigue in the neck and shoulder muscles, as well as in related organs; this strain and fatigue eventually contributes to the onset of work‐related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) .…”

“…To maintain a neutral working position, indirect visualisation through a dental mirror should be employed where possible for areas inaccessible by direct vision . If a dental hygienist works on tooth sites that require indirect vision by using a direct vision approach, the hygienist's upper body, including the neck, is bent extremely far forward . A study by Rabiei et al showed that direct inspection was a risk factor for neck pain in dentists.…”

“…Neck pain has also been identified as one of the most common complaints amongst dental hygienists . Thus far, indirect vision skills using a dental mirror have been considered a key competency for dentists, and a number of attempts have been made to determine how these skills can be developed . However, there have been relatively few studies addressing indirect vision skills in dental hygienists, who are exposed to the same dental work environment.…”