DENTAL STUDENTS’ PREFERENCE OF DEMONSTRATION MODEL IN TECHNICAL, SIMULATION AND CLINICAL TRAINING SESSIONS

Introduction:
Demonstration of a new skill in practical dental sciences may be done using various communication methods in teaching as recommended to the trainers. The students training may be demonstrated directly (Face-to face), or indirectly (digital or electronic system whether closed- circuit system or using the internet and its wide applications). The mentioned methods are the most recommended for teaching advanced technical or neuromuscular skill. Student attitude and preference should be taken into account when the instructor plans to select either model. Successful and predicated teaching outcome may be obtained after a survey of students’ desire and expectancy toward the different models. A survey among experienced students with the two methods helps to select which training method to be adopted in training the students for a new practical skill. Actually, each model has specific objectives, advantages and disadvantages and its choice as a primary method depends on many factors in addition to the students’ preference. This study aimed to explore the demonstration method preferred by year 3 and year 4 dental students during their training of dental sciences.

Materials and methods:
A questionnaire was designed and distributed among 104 dental degree students of year three and year four in a private dental faculty. The age range was 20-25 years (Mean; 22.01±1.07 year). The learners were asked to indicate their preferred demonstration model during preclinical, simulation and clinical training sessions for new skill learning. The students were briefed collectively and individually about the meaning of each method and then asked to record their preference for each model in the supplied forms. Data were analyzed using SPSS V. 17.

Results:
Most students preferred direct demonstration and hands- on training to learn new dental practical skill that depends mainly on visual and neuromuscular dexterity. In addition, some students desired both direct and indirect models for some more subjects. Generally speaking, clinical demonstration for almost dental specialties were preferred by the students to be given directly by the demonstrator like hands- on, followed by technical training and lastly simulation session.

Conclusion:
Practically all dental degree students preferred direct communication teaching for the subjects that need close monitoring and immediate dynamic interactive response, to see, react, comment and to ask for assistance to enhance the work to professional level.