Preclinical dental training: Association between difficulty in performing restorative procedures and the adoption of ergonomic posture

Manual dexterity in dentistry: Development and evaluation of a preclinical training program

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.

Ergonomic Risk Assessment of Dental Students-RULA Applied to Objective Kinematic Data

Musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) is already prevalent in dental students despite their young age and the short duration of dental practice. The current findings state that the causes of MSD are related to posture during dental work. This study aims to investigate the ergonomic risk of dental students. In order to analyze the ergonomic risk of dental students, 3D motion analyses were performed with inertial sensors during the performance of standardized dental activities. For this purpose, 15 dental students and 15 dental assistant trainees (all right-handed) were measured in a team. Data were analyzed using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), which was modified to evaluate objective data. Ergonomic risk was found for the following body parts in descending order: left wrist, right wrist, neck, trunk, left lower arm, right lower arm, right upper arm, left upper arm. All relevant body parts, taken together, exhibited a posture with the highest RULA score that could be achieved (median Final Overall = 7), with body parts in the very highest RULA score of 7 for almost 80% of the treatment time. Dental students work with poor posture over a long period of time, exposing them to high ergonomic risk. Therefore, it seems necessary that more attention should be paid to theoretical and practical ergonomics in dental school.

Students at Saarland University dental school-A survey on their background and curriculum perception

INTRODUCTION

With the aim of optimising dental education without overburdening students, new legislation restructuring the undergraduate dental curriculum in German is under way. The goal of this study was to survey the current situation of dental students at one specific university with respect to their socio-economic background, admission to dental school, curriculum perception and work-life balance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An online questionnaire was presented to all undergraduate students enrolled at Saarland University who had at least completed the first preclinical practical course in dentistry.

RESULTS

A response rate of 85% was reached with two-thirds of the student body being females. The profession of 40% of students' parents either was physicians or dentist. Students reported a slight reduction in time spent for leisure activities during their studies, however, with sports activities hardly being affected. With respect to a proper work-life balance, almost 50% of respondents considered their clinical workload as being too high. Students did not express a clear opinion regarding curriculum structure, whilst the content mostly satisfied their expectations (59%). The majority (71%) of students considered their preclinical training as being demanding whilst less than 3% fully agreed that preclinical training provided an optimal background for patient treatment. The learning modules in the first clinical semester were considered as being adequate by 56% of students. Examinations during courses were seen as properly reflecting the students' knowledge by 79% of students.

DISCUSSION

The status quo of German dental students is characterised by a high workload affecting the students' work-life balance and by a transition between preclinical and clinical education which only about half the student body perceives as being adequate. Patient-based examinations obviously are not considered as being problematic.