The Effect of Different Teaching Methods on the Quality of Tooth Preparation by Preclinical Students

Abstract

Background: The success of a restoration in fixed prosthodontics is affected by factors related to the dentist’s skills. Objectives: Given the significance of these factors, this study was conducted to explore the effect of traditional and new teaching methods on the quality of tooth preparation by preclinical students. Methods: This study was conducted on 58 preclinical students in year three of their program who were divided into two equal groups and were trained on fixed prosthesis preparation. The first group (n = 29) was trained by a new teaching method and the second group (n = 29) by traditional methods. A total of 58 three-unit restorations, including 29 metal-ceramic crowns on the first premolars and 29 metal-ceramic crowns on the first molars, were prepared under testing conditions on mounted typodonts. The finish line was visually evaluated by a clinician. Results: Most participants in group A were able to make acceptable finish lines. There were significant differences between the groups in terms of the finish line on the buccal and lingual surface of tooth four and six (P < 0.05), as the success rate was higher in group A than group B. No significant differences were found between the males and females in these analyses. Conclusions: It can be concluded that the group receiving the new teaching method was more successful in following the principles of tooth preparation. The use of educational videos can therefore be helpful in learning the principles of tooth preparation.