Miletic V, Avuthu R, Zaprzala P, Divnic-Resnik T, Savic-Stankovic T, Cabunac J, Stasic JN, Matic T. Enhanced personal protective equipment and dental students' experience and quality of a restorative procedure in a simulated clinical setting.
J Dent Educ 2024. [PMID:
38795331 DOI:
10.1002/jdd.13593]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/27/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the effects of enhanced personal protective equipment (Enhanced_PPE) on student-operator's experience and restorative procedure.
METHODS
Student-operators (N = 29 Year 3 dental students) performed Class II composite restorations (SimpliShade, Kerr) in typodont upper molars (OneDental) equipped with N95 respirators, full-face shields, disposable headwear and gowns (Enhanced_PPE) or surgical masks, protective glasses/goggles and non-disposable gowns (Standard_PPE) 2 weeks later. Cavity dimensions were measured on cone beam computed tomography images. The quality of composite restorations was assessed using selected FDI criteria and Vickers hardness. A questionnaire assessed the operators' discomfort, anxiety, confidence, ability to perform, and procedure outcome. Data were analyzed using paired t-test and McNemar test (alpha = 0.05).
RESULTS
Student-operators experienced greater discomfort and anxiety, reduced confidence and ability to perform, and rated the procedure as less satisfactory with Enhanced_PPE (p < 0.05). Differences in proximal box width were marginally significant (Enhanced_PPE 1.8 ± 0.4 mm, Standard_PPE 1.6 ± 0.3 mm) (p = 0.047). Other cavity dimensions were similar between groups (p > 0.05) as were restorations regarding surface luster, anatomical form, marginal adaptation, proximal contour, and contact (p > 0.05). There were no differences in the hardness of composite restorations (top p = 0.349, bottom p = 0.334).
CONCLUSIONS
Enhanced_PPE led to student-operator discomfort, anxiety, and reduced confidence, but did not impact the quality of Class II preparation and composite restorations versus Standard_PPE.
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