The use of artificial teeth in a pre-clinical fixed prosthodontics post-core undergraduate teaching program

Abstract

Background The use of artificial teeth in pre-clinical simulation clinic teaching of post-core techniques has clear educational benefits for students and staff. This study explored the reasons for selection and direct student experiences with artificial teeth in a recently conducted pre-clinical fixed prosthodontics post-core technique teaching program. Methods An online anonymous survey was delivered to fourth year undergraduate dental students who had completed the fixed prosthodontics pre-clinical program seeking information on the choice of artificial or natural teeth and direct experiences. Quantitative data was summarised and qualitative data was clustered into topics. Results A 100% response rate was received. 36% of 70 respondents chose to use one or more artificial teeth for the post-core exercises which was predominantly driven by difficulty in sourcing appropriate natural teeth (59%) rather than educational benefit (13%). 45 (64%) chose not to use artificial teeth largely due to the cost of the teeth (49%). Conclusions Direct student experiences in using the artificial teeth for post-core exercises were positive. In the choice to select artificial or natural teeth for post-core exercises, teaching staff may focus on educational benefits while students focus on the practicalities of sourcing teeth, associated costs and ease of use. As the first known research of its kind, within the limitations of this study artificial teeth provided an appropriate and realistic simulation compared to extracted natural teeth and were easier to source for the post-core exercises of the pre-clinical fixed prosthodontics program. More widespread use of artificial teeth was limited by cost.