The effect of virtual simulation technology applied to undergraduate teaching of periodontal probing

INTRODUCTION

The rise of virtual simulation technology and dental simulators has created a new pedagogical approach for undergraduate medical education. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of virtual simulation (VS) technology on improving the students' comprehensive abilities in periodontal probing teaching in pre-practicum periodontology, such as increasing the accuracy of probing, tactile perception and performance on force control.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty students were randomly selected among the fourth-year students and equally divided into VS technology teaching group (VS group) and traditional teaching group (TT group) by drawing half lots. One day later, students were required to probe the periodontal pathology model. The consistency rate between PD measurements and PD reference values, time consumption and final exam scores were recorded and statistically analysed using an unpaired Student's t test and p < .05 was considered statistical significance. Finally, questionnaires relating to teaching methods evaluation and the fidelity of the digital VS training system were distributed to students and teachers.

RESULTS

VS group had a significantly higher consistency rate (72.976 ± 6.811%) than TT group (64.107 ± 4.988%, p = .004). To specify, the difference of consistency rates between the two groups in posterior teeth was larger than anterior teeth. Similarly, a larger difference was also found in proximal surfaces compared with buccal-lingual surfaces. As the pocket depth increased, the difference between the two groups increased too. These results indicated that VS is more efficient in complicated parts of periodontal probing teaching. In addition, students in VS group spent less time and gained a higher score than TT group (p < .05). The overall satisfaction rating in VS group was significantly higher than TT group. Lastly, teachers gave significant lower scores than students concerning the fidelity of VS system.

CONCLUSION

Although there are much to improve, VS technology has obvious advantages in periodontal probing teaching in pre-practicum periodontology.

To Explore and Analyze the Safety and Clinical Efficacy of Periocline-Assisted Periodontal Basic Therapy on Chronic Periodontitis

Objective

This study aimed to investigate and analyse the clinical efficacy and safety of periocline-assisted periodontal foundation in the therapy of chronic periodontitis.

Methods

From May 2018 to January 2021, 108 patients with chronic periodontitis were treated at our institution and randomly assigned equally to either the control or the experimental group. The plaque index (PLI), sulcus bleeding index (SBI), probing depth (PD), and periodontal attachment level (AI) were evaluated before and after periodontal basic therapy in the control group and periocline as an adjunct in the experimental group. Lactobacillus (LB) and Porphyromonas gingivalis (PG) concentrations in saliva were measured before and after therapy, and adverse responses during treatment were noted.

Results

The levels of PLI, SBI, PD, and AI in the two groups were significantly lower in both groups at 1 and 3 months posttreatment compared to baseline; the levels of PLI and SBI were higher, and the levels of PD and AI were lower at 3 months after treatment compared to 1 month after treatment; compared with the control group at 1 month and 3 months after treatment, the levels of PLI, SBI, PD, and AI in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The LB level was higher and the PG level was lower in both groups compared to baseline at 1 and 3 months posttreatment. The LB level was higher and the PG level was lower at 3 months posttreatment compared to 1 month after treatment. Compared with the control group at 1 month and 3 months after treatment, the LB level was higher, and the PG level was lower in the experimental group (P < 0.05). No significant adverse effects were observed in either group during the treatment period. Only 1 patient in the experimental group had mild gastrointestinal reactions, mainly nausea, without obvious neurological symptoms or abnormal blood changes, which did not affect the treatment.

Conclusion

Periodontal fundamental therapy with perioclines may be a potential treatment for persistent periodontitis. It improves the primary clinical indicators, increases dysbacteriosis control, and has a strong safety profile. It could effectively control the development of clinical symptoms of periodontitis and reduce tissue destruction, with obvious clinical treatment effects. It could be used as the first choice for topical treatment of chronic periodontitis. It is recommended for further study by a wide range of researchers.