Wax carving exercises predict performance on practical examinations for first‐year dental students

Abstract

Perceptual ability test (PAT) is a valid determinant for spatial perceptions. However, a validated psychomotor skill test for dentistry does not currently exist.Purpose/Objectives: This study aimed to determine whether the results of two wax carving exercises (E1 and E2), PAT, quantitative reasoning (QR), and academic average (AA) tests predict students' performance on dental anatomy practical examinations.Methods: First-year dental students (n = 69) participated in the study. Results of the PAT, QR, and AA were obtained from the Admissions Office. Participants completed wax carving exercises during the first (E1) and last weeks (E2) of the dental anatomy course. Carving instruments, instruction, and rubrics, were provided to participants who were instructed to carve a cube and a semicircle shape into a wax block using the wax subtraction technique. Two calibrated and blinded faculty graded the exercise as ideal, satisfactory, or unsatisfactory in four categories: finish, sharpness, symmetry, and accuracy. During the dental anatomy course, participants completed wax carving practical examinations for a maxillary central incisor and a mandibular first molar. Examinations were graded by calibrated faculty as ideal, satisfactory, or unsatisfactory. The linear mixed effects model assessed influences of independent variables on the practical examinations. Results: estimates of the independent variables on the practical examinations were PAT (0.027), AA (0.088), QR (-0.014), E1 (0.235), and E2 (0.175). Conclusions: wax carving exercises were stronger predictors of performance on the practical examinations than the PAT, AA, and QR. This simple exercise may help identify students early in their preclinical education requiring additional assistance.

Investigating correlations between the PAT and three hand‐skill exercises to performance in preclinical laboratory courses

“…This is slightly surprising because dental students did not have any experience using the instruments or wax. However, several studies support this finding 11,12 . In the Dental Anatomy course for academic year (2022–23), not only are students carving teeth from wax blocks, but they also spend nearly one third of the lab time drawing teeth.…”

“…However, several studies support this finding. 11,12 In the Dental Anatomy course for academic year (2022-23), not only are students carving teeth from wax blocks, but they also spend nearly one third of the lab time drawing teeth. Perception of teeth and then transferring this into a drawing or wax carving remains important.…”

“…11 Imbery et al demonstrated the same exercise was a stronger predictor of performance on practical dental anatomy carving examinations than the PAT. 12 Additional novel exercises were suggested to replace the PAT's ambiguity. Boyle and Santelli reported the Crawford Small Parts Dexterity Test (CSPDT) was more predictive of performance than the PAT for preclinical laboratory courses.…”

“…Imbery et al. demonstrated the same exercise was a stronger predictor of performance on practical dental anatomy carving examinations than the PAT 12 …”

Objective evaluation of tooth carving using homologous models

“…Tooth carving helps students understand the anatomy of the tooth and its landmarks and express that knowledge in form. 1,2 Understanding the anatomy of the teeth is also important for achieving proper morphology of crown restorations and prostheses, and tooth carving has been shown to be effective in improving performance. 3,4 Tooth carvings are evaluated subjectively by an evaluator with knowledge of the anatomical form of the teeth.…”