Abstract:

Introduction: Computer assisted learning (CAL) via online videos can support skill development of clinical procedures in undergraduate dental education. Videos can provide flexible learning opportunities to match the speed and ability of the learner. Periodontal disease is a plaque bacteria-mediated inflammation in the supporting tissues around teeth. The management of the disease requires successful removal of bacteria from tooth surfaces (scaling) including below the gum. This necessitates the development of complex psychomotor skills using appropriate instruments by the dental student. The initial stage of development of the skill competency involves repeated practice on clinical mannequins/simulators. Method: An interactive, web-based educational video was created. This employed a video recording of the clinical procedures involved in treating periodontal disease with a visual narrative describing the steps undertaken when engaging in a periodontal scaling procedure. These educational tools were made available for students to access in their own time for directed self-learning to support formal tuition on mannequins/simulators. The participants were 44 students BDS II cohort. Evaluation sheets were used to gather data from the dental students about the usability and acceptability of the CAL programme as an educational tool. Results: The CAL programme was accessed from students’ home computer (n=39) with a further 6 students accessing from the library. The range of time viewing was 30-120 minutes. Usability was rated as very easy by 34% of students (n=15), easy by 39% (n=17), fairly easy by 10% (n=4) and ‘could be easier’ by 5% (n=2). All students (100%) rated the programme as comprehensible and at the ‘right level of difficulty’ and 86% reported that the CAL was of reasonable length. Self- assessment of psycho-motor skills pre and post CAL usage indicated that 80% of the cohort reported improvement in their skills. Conclusion: CAL for the development of psychomotor periodontal clinical skills was evaluated positively in terms of usability and acceptability and resulted in increased self-reported clinical skill competency. Suggestions for further improvement in CAL included increased content.

Keywords:

Computer Assisted Learning, Dentistry, Education.