Effectiveness of typodont, quail egg and virtual simulation for ultrasonic periodontal scaling teaching among pre-clinical students: a randomized trial

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of three different techniques, namely virtual simulation technology (VS), traditional pathological typodont (TT), and quail egg (QE), in pre-clinical training of periodontal ultrasonic scaling. It also aimed to propose an integrated teaching approach for ultrasonic scaling teaching.

METHODS

This single-blind randomized multi-arm trial enrolled 108 fourth-year students from Guanghua School of Stomatology at Sun Yat-sen University. The participants were randomly, evenly assigned to VS, TT, or QE group. First, the participants received theoretical review on ultrasonic scaling and demonstrative teaching. Then in the 90-minute operation training by group, students used traditional typodont equipped in head-simulators, raw quail eggs, or scaling module of the UniDental VS system respectively. Then all participants practiced on pathological models for 30 min. In the final operation examination, participants were instructed to remove the supra- and sub-gingival calculi pre-set on designated teeth by ultrasonic scalers within 30 min. Their performances were evaluated by residual calculus rate and a multi-perspective scoring scale. After the examination, questionnaires were provided to assess the teaching effects of each method and the fidelity of VS. Statistical analysis was carried out using one-way, two-way ANOVA, and multiple t-test.

RESULTS

Students in VS group had significant higher total test scores than QE group (87.89 ± 6.81, 83.53 ± 8.14) and TT group (85.03 ± 6.81). VS group scored higher in several dimensional comparisons with the other two groups, especially in difficult situations. QE group had higher scores particularly in force application and supra-gingival scaling. TT group scored the highest in pivot stability practice and body position training. Students gave higher scores when assessing the fidelity of VS than experienced teachers.

CONCLUSION

The study highlights the importance of specialized pre-clinical training on ultrasonic scaling for dental students. The methods adopted in current study (VS, TT and QE) each offered unique advantages in education, which can be combined to create an integrative teaching procedure. This procedure aims to provide an effective, advisable and normative pre-clinical training procedure for ultrasonic scaling. By utilizing the strengths of each method, dental educators can deliver high-quality training and ensure that students are well-prepared for clinical practice.

"Classes beyond the walls" - A reexploring method of teaching in ayurveda education over conventional approach

BACKGROUND

Gurukula system of Ayurveda education is a complete comprehensive approach. Institutionalization of this traditional system of education has its own limitations. Though the Ayurveda education is been institutionalized, some part of it deliberately needs to be learnt in real platform, in an integrated way to make learning process more engaging and relevant. Conventional method of teaching (CMT) has its own limitations and adoption of innovative methods is need of the hour.

METHODS

Study was conducted on II Professional BAMS students in two groups: classes beyond the walls (CBW) group and CMT group. Integrated collaborative CBW teaching in medicinal plant garden and CMT in regular classrooms of institutional set up were conducted. Comparative learning experience was assessed based on open ended questionnaire. The effectiveness of CBW teaching was evaluated using five-point likert scale. Pre and Post tests were conducted using a google forms comprising of ten subject related questions to compare learning outcomes. Analysis of statistical parameters were done using SPSS software (Between the groups Mann - Whitney U test and within the groups Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank test).

RESULTS

The learning significance within the both groups are demonstrated by the statistical findings based on the pre and posttest scores. Pretest scores between the groups are not significant with a P value 0.76, however the posttest results between the groups demonstrate a substantial learning improvement with a P value of < 0.0001.

CONCLUSION

This demonstrates learning beyond the class is an important supportive component along with conventional method.

Drugs of Abuse and Addiction: An integrated approach to teaching

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

To describe the design, implementation, and student perceptions of a Drugs of Abuse and Addiction elective course utilizing an integrated teaching model.

EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY AND SETTING

Third-year pharmacy students enrolled in the two credit hour elective. Teaching methodology included didactic lecture, journal club, simulated addiction assignment with reflection, debates, external speakers, site visit to a residential drug court program and research paper with presentation.

FINDINGS

A course objective survey was administered upon course completion. All students strongly agreed that having science- and clinical-based faculty members develop and deliver course content was beneficial. Additionally, all students agree to strongly agree that their research project helped them integrate and comprehend the science and practice surrounding drugs of abuse and addiction.

DISCUSSION AND SUMMARY

Students enjoyed an integrated teaching approach and multiple teaching methodologies leading to increased engagement and enhancement of student learning. Course enrollment was beneficial for personalized learning, but limited student perspective.