Jaw relation recording and transferring: Using digital technology to augment its instruction in predoctoral prosthodontics

Abstract

ObjectivesThe study compared the learning effectiveness and teaching satisfaction of dental students from three teaching methods (traditional, digital, and combined pedagogy) for instructing jaw relation recording and transferring (JRRT).MethodsNote that, 276 fourth‐year undergraduate students from three classes were randomly divided into three groups to study JRRT in complete dentures using different teaching methods: traditional pedagogy group, digital pedagogy group, and combined digital and traditional pedagogy group. After the course, the learning effectiveness of basic knowledge and satisfaction questionnaire was administered to the three groups of participants using a quick response code for online answering. The questionnaire was customized by the teacher based on the content delivered to each group.ResultsThe data were analyzed using the Chi‐square test with Fisher's exact test. Both the digital and combined pedagogy groups showed a significant increase in basic knowledge test scores and higher satisfaction, compared to the traditional pedagogy group (p < 0.01). Particularly, the participants from combined pedagogy showed better teaching satisfaction than the digital pedagogy group (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe use of digital technology in JRRT significantly enhanced students' learning effectiveness and teaching satisfaction.Clinical significanceThis educational innovation emphasizes digital technology to visualize vital concepts and operational intricacies related to JRRT. The findings have major implications for improving teaching methods in the field of prosthodontic dentistry.