Effectiveness of CAD/CAM technology: A self‐assessment tool for preclinical waxing exercise

Abstract

Introduction This study assessed the utility of CAD/CAM technology as a self‐assessment tool for preclinical waxing compared to traditional student self‐assessment to evaluate preclinical work. Material and Methods Thirty‐seven students completed the wax‐up of the maxillary left central incisor with the goal of recreating original anatomy and completed a traditional self‐assessment. The original, unreduced cast and waxings were scanned with an intraoral scanner (E4D, Planmeca). Using CAD/CAM software (Compare, Planmeca), each waxing was superimposed over the original. Tolerance (250 µm) was set to illustrate under‐ and over‐contoured areas, enabling visualisation of the waxing compared to original in three dimensions. Students then completed another self‐assessment and an exit survey. Results Twenty‐four per cent of self‐assessment responses changed after using Compare Software. 20% changed from satisfactory to unsatisfactory. Four per cent changed from unsatisfactory to satisfactory. Greatest change in response occurred in the Incisal Edge (49%) rubric category. Interproximal Contact Area (3%) demonstrated least change in response. Seventy per cent strongly agreed that Compare Software enabled more effective assessment of Lingual Contour. Eight per cent strongly disagreed that Compare Software enabled more effective assessment of finishing. Discussion CAD/CAM software can improve student's critical self‐assessment. Different rubric categories demonstrated differing rates of response change, indicating more critical of certain aspects of the waxing. Majority strongly agreed that the software enabled more effective self‐assessment. Conclusion CAD/CAM technology enhances student's learning in dental wax‐up through improving self‐assessment. This technology may improve teacher‐student communication, reduce one‐on‐one teaching time and allow higher student‐teacher ratio.

Pre‐doctoral dental students’ computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacturing‐related education, knowledge, attitudes and behavior: A national survey

“…and Chiang et al. showed that students agreed that the use of CAD/CAM in preclinical dentistry was useful and supported the self‐assessment skills of students in preclinical dentistry 14,26 . In addition, Wolgin et al.…”

“…Studies by Park et al and Chiang et al showed that students agreed that the use of CAD/CAM in preclinical dentistry was useful and supported the self-assessment skills of students in preclinical dentistry. 14,26 In addition, Wolgin et 1 Answers ranged from 1 = disagree strongly, 2 = disagree, 3 = neither disagree nor agree, 4 = agree to 5 = agree strongly. .…”

“…They studied its use in preclinical and clinical settings, 11 and for traditional self-assessment vs. digital assessment. [12][13][14][15] They also explored the benefits of digital vs. conventional treatment approaches in clinical settings. 16 While most of the previous studies were limited to the preclinical setting, this study explored the current state of CAD/CAM education in all types of educational settings.…”

“…Several studies compared different learning techniques used in students’ CAD/CAM‐related dental school education. They studied its use in preclinical and clinical settings, 11 and for traditional self‐assessment vs. digital assessment 12–15 . They also explored the benefits of digital vs. conventional treatment approaches in clinical settings 16 .…”

Recent Advancements in CAD/CAM Same-Day Dentistry in Practice and Education

“…This technology is not limited to abutment preparation in preclinical prosthodontic courses. Chiang et al 26 utilized similar technology to help students' self-assessment in a dental anatomy wax-up exercise. In this study, thirty-seven students completed the waxup of the maxillary left central incisor and traditional self-assessment.…”