Perceptual ability tests correlate to performance on a rudimentary dental anatomy laboratory exercise

Abstract

Objective of this study was to determine if perceptual abilities test (PAT), quantitative reasoning (QR), and academic average (AA) scores predict performance in a rudimentary dental anatomy laboratory exercise.Methods: First-year dental students (n = 88) completed two identical wax carving exercises during the first and last weeks of the dental anatomy course. After being given detailed instructions and a wax block, students carved a cube and a semilunar shape using the wax subtraction technique. Using a rubric, students self-assessed their work as unsatisfactory, satisfactory, or ideal in the following areas: finish, sharpness, symmetry, and accuracy. Two calibrated and blinded faculty graded the exercise using the same rubric as the students. Cohen's kappa coefficient assessed faculty interrater reliability and student-faculty reliability. Changes in scores between the two exercises were evaluated using Wilcoxon signed rank and paired t-tests. Spearman's correlation coefficient and repeated measures analysis assessed the association between shape carving scores and DAT, QR, and AA scores.Results: Faculty interrater reliability ranged from 0.2554 to 0.4186 for the assessed criteria over the two exercises. Student-faculty rater reliability ranged from 0.1299 to 0.4461. Only PAT scores correlated significantly to higher scores for the four grading criteria for both exercises. Student self-assessment improved with the second exercise. Conclusions: This rudimentary exercise was useful to identify students early in their dental education who may require more guidance in other manual dexterity courses. Faculties require additional training and calibration. Self-assessment is a life-long process of critical thinking that students are just beginning to learn.

Wax carving exercises predict performance on practical examinations for first‐year dental students

“…Interrater agreement of the more subjective criteria (finish, sharpness, and symmetry) ranged from moderate to substantial. Compared to the similar study by Hankle et al 18 the present study had a better interrater agreement. Also in this present study, each shape (box and semicircle) was graded individually rather than together as done in the previous study.…”

“…The other six improved from a mean of 4.14 on the first examination to 5.0 on the second examination. In this study, those who failed the practical examinations had an average PAT of 18.3 (range of [16][17][18][19][20][21]. Those participants that obtained perfect scores of 5.0 on the examinations had a mean PAT of 20.8 (range of 18-26).…”

“…7,12,17 A recent study by Hankle et al demonstrated a weak but statistically significant correlation between PAT scores and performance on a rudimentary wax carving exercise. 18 If identified early, additional resources and individual mentoring may be selectively targeted to underperforming individuals to foster a more positive learning environment and improved performance.…”

Investigating correlations between the PAT and three hand‐skill exercises to performance in preclinical laboratory courses

“…However, several studies support this finding. 11,12 In the Dental Anatomy course for academic year (2022-23), not only are students carving teeth from wax blocks, but they also spend nearly one third of the lab time drawing teeth. Perception of teeth and then transferring this into a drawing or wax carving remains important.…”

“…Hankle et al demonstrated a weak but positive correlation between PAT scores and a simple wax block carving exercise early in the preclinical curriculum. 11 Imbery et al demonstrated the same exercise was a stronger predictor of performance on practical dental anatomy carving examinations than the PAT. 12 Additional novel exercises were suggested to replace the PAT's ambiguity.…”