Effects of the Difference of Training Methods on the Acquisition of Skills for Dental Procedures : (2) Mirror Skill Acquisition in the Training of Cavity Preparation

Abstract

Purpose: It is generally accepted that mirror skill is essential for dental treatment. In the present study, we compared the effects of different training methods for cavity preparation of upper teeth using a newly developed training instrument on the acquisition of preparation skills with a dental mirror. Methods: The content of training was MO cavity preparation for the upper jaw left side first molar with a dental mirror. The examinees were fifth-grade dental students, who were randomly assigned to two groups: group 1 that prepared the MO cavity in a dental mannequin simulator after specific training using the newly developed training instrument, and group 2 that prepared the MO cavity in the simulator without specific training. The training period was 7 days, and the two different methods were interchanged between the two groups on the fourth day of training during the period. The cavity preparation time, cavity preparation form, evaluation by evaluators, and self-evaluation by examinees were evaluated. The cavity preparation time was also evaluated by analysis of variance (p<0.05). Results: Compared with the first training day, the cavity preparation time on the seventh training day was shorter in both groups. The cavity preparation form in both groups improved in a time-dependent manner, especially in group 1. In the self-evaluation, there were differences in the handling of instruments and the cavity preparation form between the two groups after the fifth training day. The sense of accomplishment in the self-evaluation in both groups remarkably increased on the first day of specific training using the newly developed instrument. Conclusion: These results suggest that the specific training using the newly developed instrument may be effective for the acquisition of preparation skills with a dental mirror, and that early exposure to the specific training may achieve short-term improvement of the skills as well as their sense of accomplishment.