Neves TDC, Pazos JM, Genaro LE, Hallak JC, Garcia PPNS. Manual dexterity in dentistry: Development and evaluation of a preclinical training program.
J Dent Educ 2023;
87:1242-1249. [PMID:
37160672 DOI:
10.1002/jdd.13233]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the effect of a manual dexterity training program on manual dexterity, perception of self-confidence, quality of cavity preparations, and ergonomic work posture of dental students prior to preclinical training.
METHODS
Students in the first year of the undergraduate dentistry program (N = 63) participated in this study. The program consisted of eight phases in which students performed different types of activities. The dependent variables were: manual dexterity assessed by the modified Dental Manual Dexterity Assessment; self-confidence to perform a preclinical procedure using the VAS scale; quality of Class I cavity preparation; angular deviation from the neutral position of the neck, trunk, wrist and distance between the student's eyes and the mannequin's tooth. These variables were evaluated at two different times: before and after the application of the program. The independent variable was the preclinical manual dexterity training program. After meeting the assumption of normality, the paired t-Student test was performed, the significance level was 5%.
RESULTS
The results showed a statistically significant difference in relation to manual dexterity (p < 0.001), self-confidence (p < 0.001), quality of cavity preparations (p < 0.001), distance from the eyes of the student/mannequin (p < 0.001), deviation angle of the neutral position of the trunk (p = 0.007) and wrists (p < 0.001), with better results in posttraining.
CONCLUSION
It was possible to conclude that, in general, the proposed training positively influenced the self-confidence, dexterity, quality of work, and ergonomics of the evaluated students.
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