The effect of smartphone filming on student confidence in dental anesthesia techniques: A randomized trial

Abstract

Objectives To examine the effect of individualized smartphone‐recorded video review on dental student confidence in performing local anesthesia (LA) techniques, in a manikin‐based simulation environment. Methods All University of Minnesota second‐year dental students were invited to participate in this randomized trial developed following the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials statement, in 2020. With a parallel trial design, 104 students were randomly divided into two groups (52 per group) prior to the learning experience. Students and researchers were not blinded to group assignments. All students learned LA techniques in the same manikin‐based simulation setting. The experimental group incorporated individualized smartphone filming into simulation training, and the control group did not. A paper‐based questionnaire with 19 5‐point Likert scale questions assessed the students’ self‐rated confidence levels in LA techniques before, immediately after, and approximately one month after the training. Results The final sample included 45 students in the experimental group (48.4%) and 48 in the control group (51.6%). In both groups, student confidence in performing LA techniques increased after completion of the training (p < 0.001), with no harm reported. The experimental group reported greater confidence in inferior alveolar nerve injection (p = 0.038), and in local anesthetic administration rate (p = 0.029), compared with the control group. Conclusions This study suggested that the incorporation of smartphone‐recorded video review in simulation training is beneficial for learning LA techniques. Further investigation on teaching methods to enhance student confidence and performance in LA administration is indicated.

Student training in administering inferior alveolar nerve block anesthesia with a simple manufactured simulation model

“…There is a range of studies on alternatives on how to learn to administer dental anesthesia, including studentto-student training, cadaver dissections, simulator models or manikin, gamification, YouTube videos, smartphone filming, virtual reality, or augmented reality. [10][11][12][13][14]16 Although traditional student-to-student practice is beneficial for learning the techniques, 2,14,17 it is ethically controversial. 18,19 Some students may not feel comfortable with the exercise, and an unusual adverse effect could occur.…”

“…These techniques include simulation models, virtual reality, augmented reality, gamification, YouTube videos, and smartphone filming. [10][11][12][13][14] Simulation models in dentistry are a training technology used to prepare students for real-life clinical situations. These models replicate the oral tissues and enable students to practice dental procedures repeatedly, providing benefits such as the opportunity to practice and refine skills in a controlled environment, without the risks and consequences associated with working on patients.…”

“…In recent years, dental education techniques have incorporated innovative alternatives to enhance the learning experience of dental students and professionals. These techniques include simulation models, virtual reality, augmented reality, gamification, YouTube videos, and smartphone filming 10–14 …”

Knowledge, Practice and Self-Reported Confidence Level of Croatian Dentists in the Use of Local Anesthesia: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Moreover, various studies have examined the incidence of systemic or local complications arising from the administration of local anesthetics in dentistry, alongside appropriate management strategies [15][16][17][18]. It is crucial to acknowledge that the safety and confidence levels associated with administering anesthesia injections have solely been evaluated among dental students, not professional dentists [19][20][21]. Based on the information provided, it can be inferred that there is a limited availability of literature concerning knowledge, practice, and confidence in administering local anesthetics among dental practitioners in Croatia and worldwide.…”