Abstract
In the present study, students' fatigue during scaling training was evaluated using the new editions of the "Assessment Tool for Subjective Symptoms" and "Assessment Tool for Fatigue", flicker values, and a check sheet regarding scaling techniques. Through this evaluation, these students' issues were extracted to improve our educational approaches. A total of 23 dental-hygienist students participated as subjects in this study. Of the 9 training sessions, evaluation was performed both before and after the 3rd, 6th, and 9th sessions. Evaluation using the "Assessment Tool for Subjective Symptoms" revealed reduced feelings of instability (Factor II) after training sessions, increased feelings of eyestrain (Factor V) after the 6th session, and increased feelings of local pain or dullness (Factor IV) after the 3rd and 9th sessions. Increased fatigue was noted in the right upper limb after training sessions. In all 3 evaluations, flicker values were lower when yellow flicker was used. Thus, after scaling training sessions, mental fatigue was alleviated, and fatigue in the eye and right upper limb increased. In addition, completed check sheets revealed that some students adopted an inappropriate posture and/or position during training sessions, possibly contributing to increased fatigue. On the basis of the findings, we are planning to improve our educational approaches.
