Impact of computer-based treatment planning software on clinical judgment of dental students for planning prosthodontic rehabilitation

Abstract

Purpose

Successful prosthodontic rehabilitation involves making many interrelated clinical decisions which have an impact on each other. Self-directed computer-based training has been shown to be a very useful tool to develop synthetic and analytical problem-solving skills among students. Thus, a computer-based case study and treatment planning (CSTP) software program was developed which would allow students to work through the process of comprehensive, multidisciplinary treatment planning for patients in a structured and logical manner. The present study was aimed at assessing the effect of this CSTP software on the clinical judgment of dental students while planning prosthodontic rehabilitation and to assess the students’ perceptions about using the program for its intended use.

Methods

A CSTP software program was developed and validated. The impact of this program on the clinical decision making skills of dental graduates was evaluated by real life patient encounters, using a modified and validated mini-CEX. Students’ perceptions about the program were obtained by a pre-validated feedback questionnaire.

Results

The faculty assessment scores of clinical judgment improved significantly after the use of this program. The majority of students felt it was an informative, useful, and innovative way of learning and they strongly felt that they had learnt the logical progression of planning, the insight into decision making, and the need for flexibility in treatment planning after using this program.

Conclusion

CSTP software was well received by the students. There was significant improvement in students’ clinical judgment after using this program. It should thus be envisaged fundamentally as an adjunct to conventional teaching techniques to improve students’ decision making skills and confidence.

Video abstract

Point your SmartPhone at the code above. If you have a QR code reader the video abstract will appear. Or use:

http://dvpr.es/1qFAJbS

Keywords:

• clinical decision making
• dental education
• case assisted learning
• computers in dentistry

Acknowledgments

Dr Avinash Supe, Director of FAIMER regional Institute at GSMC Mumbai for his critical analysis of this investigation and Dr Usha Radke, Dean of VSPM’s Dental College and Research Centre, Nagpur for supporting this investigation.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work. The software development project was partially funded by the Teacher’s Scholarship Grant from Maharashtra University of Health Sciences at Nashik.