Effect of repeated learning for two dental CAD software programs

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to assess the relationship between the time spent designing custom abutments and repeated learning using dental implant computer aided design (CAD) software. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The design of customized abutments was performed four stages using the 3DS CAD software and the EXO CAD software, and measured repeatedly three times by each stage. Learning effect by repetition was presented with the learning curve, and the significance of the reduction in the total time and the time at each stage spent on designing was evaluated using the Friedman test and the Wilcoxon signed rank test. The difference in the design time between groups was analyzed using the repeated measure two-way ANOVA. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS statistics software (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Repeated learning of the customized abutment design displayed a significant difference according to the number of repetition and the stage (P < 0.001). The difference in the time spent designing was found to be significant (P < 0.001), and that between the CAD software programs was also significant (P = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Repeated learning of CAD software shortened the time spent designing. While less design time on average was spent with the 3DS CAD than with the EXO CAD, the EXO CAD showed better results in terms of learning rate according to learning effect.