Efficacy of a Novel Computerized Aid in Designing Removable Partial Dentures.

BACKGROUND:  The development of computerized aids for dental education offers potential benefits in teaching complex procedures, such as the design of removable partial dentures (RPDs). This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a novel computerized tool in enhancing the ability of both dental students and practicing dentists to design RPDs, as well as to evaluate its utility as an interactive educational instrument.

METHODS:  A cohort comprising a total of 75 individuals (25 practicing dentists and 50 undergraduate dental students) was enlisted. Participants were introduced to an online interactive application tailored for the design of RPDs. They were tasked with resolving clinical scenarios that necessitated the formulation of an RPD. Throughout the exercise, users were provided with hints addressing errors made during the process, fostering self-directed learning for improved RPD design. Post-interaction, the perceptions of both dentists and students regarding the tool were gauged through a comprehensive questionnaire.

RESULTS:  The deployment of the online interactive application demonstrated significant promise in the effective design of RPDs, facilitated by self-directed learning. It also appeared to enhance the proficiency of practicing dentists in formulating partial dentures.

CONCLUSION:  The computerized aid evaluated in this study provided an effective platform for both dental education and practice. It not only supported self-directed learning in the design of RPDs but also improved the efficiency of professional dentists in their clinical design work.