Utilization of 3D evaluation for assessing selective caries removal practice in pre-clinical dental students: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Practicing and assessment of selective caries removal techniques in dental students remain challenges in many dental schools. The aim of this study was to utilize a 3D assessment technique, within a designated acceptable range of deviation, to evaluate the tendency of dental students in performing selective caries removal (SCR). The correlation between 3D assessment results and the conventional rubric rated by an instructor was also determined. METHODS: Fifth-year dental students (n = 61) performed the SCR task on 3D-printed teeth containing simulated deep caries lesions in occlusal and proximal surfaces. One instructor assessed the results using a conventional analytic rubric. The excavated teeth were additionally evaluated using 3D analysis software with the designated acceptable range of deviations (± 0.5 mm) from the standard cavities. The average root mean square (RMS) value, representing the deviation between student-prepared cavities and the predefined standard cavities, was recorded. A tendency towards over-excavation was defined for RMS values > 0.5 mm, and towards under-excavation for RMS values < 0.5 mm. RESULTS: The mean (min-max) of RMS was 0.27 (0.18-0.40) for occlusal and 0.29 (0.20-0.57)for proximal cavities. A tendency of dental students toward over-excavation was observed in both occlusal (74%) and proximal cavities (87%). There was a moderate negative correlation between the RMS values and the traditional rubric scores for both occlusal (R2 = 0.148, P = 0.002) and proximal cavities (R2 = 0.107, P = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS: The 3D evaluation technique effectively revealed specific tendencies in dental students' caries removal skills. The integration of computerized assessments with traditional methods could potentially assist the instructors in delivering more objective and specific feedback to students. Further research is encouraged to investigate the impact of this assessment technique on improving student performance in selective caries removal skills.

Assessment of 3D-Printed Tooth Containing Simulated Deep Caries Lesions for Practicing Selective Caries Removal: A Pilot Study.

A standard model for practicing caries removal skills is needed to support learners in managing deep carious lesions. The aim of the current study was to prepare 3D-printed teeth with added simulated carious layers and a pulpal structure. A first permanent mandibular containing occlusal (Class I) or proximal (Class II) cavities was printed. The teeth were then filled with wax and resin-modified glass ionomer cements mixed with a color modifier to simulate pulp and deep caries, respectively. Undergraduate dental students (n = 61) were asked to remove the caries using the selective caries removal (SCR) technique on the teeth. The students then completed a self-administered questionnaire to rate their caries removal experiences. One instructor then assessed the prepared teeth. Overall, the students provided positive feedback on the use of 3D-printed teeth; 72.1% agreed that the printed teeth provided a realistic model for practicing the SCR technique, 75.4% indicated that the new teeth were the appropriate choice for practicing the SCR technique, and 86.9% agreed that 3D-printed teeth should be used before treating real patients. More than half of the students had satisfactory outcomes in terms of the depth and caries removal aspects of the cavity preparation. These findings suggest that the developed 3D-printed teeth can potentially be adopted to practice caries removals in preclinical dental education.