AN ONLINE GUIDE FOR THE PRECLINICAL PRACTICES IN THE SUBJECT OF PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

OBJECTIVE
The aim of this paper is to present an online Practice Guide for the subject of Pediatric Dentistry in the fourth year of the Dentistry studies al Complutense University of Madrid.
An evaluation was carried out among the students in order to assess the new guide, in comparison with the previous one.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
A guide for the preclinical practices of Pediatric Dentistry was elaborated based upon the recent literature in Pedodontics. It was available online for the students at the “Virtual Campus” of the subject. Texts were accompanied by photographs and schematic drawings, especially and exclusively designed for the guide. In order to illustrate the procedures step-by-step, pictures of the Preclinical Practices were included, as well as real cases´ ones. There were also available for the students, videos showing different isolation techniques for children.
The fourth year students were asked to anonymously complete a separately evaluation of both, the ancient printed guide and the new online one, including the new complementary materials.

RESULTS
The results of the tests showed that the students appreciated much better the online version of the Guide, rather than the printed one. They pointed out, as it most positive aspects, factors such as the new imaging material, as well as the videos, the clarified and new-techniques updated procedures, and the online availability of the Guide, which allows the student to check the Guide anytime, anywhere.

CONCLUSION
The “Virtual Campus” is a useful and effective tool for both students and teachers. It offers new possibilities and horizons in terms of didactic materials and feed-back communication between alumni and faculty, resulting in a better formation of the future professional.