(PO18) Teaching a New Obturation Technique in Preclinical Endodontic Training: Assessment of Student Learning Experience, Performance, and Self-Evaluation

Abstract: This study investigated the impact of implementing hydraulic condensation (HC) as a second obturation technique in the endodontic preclinical course for dental students trained in warm vertical compaction (WVC). A total of 70 students completed obturations of one maxillary and one mandibular molar. The combination of obturation technique (WVC or HC) and type of molar (maxillary or mandibular) was randomly assigned to all students, obtaining four groups (n=35). The students answered a questionnaire appraising their learning experience and completed a self-evaluation rubric. Projects were graded by instructors blinded to the students' participation in the research. Data were statistically analyzed (significance set at 5%). Although 37.1% of the students found it challenging to learn two types of obturation techniques during the endodontics preclinical laboratory, the great majority considered it relevant (91%). Regarding WVC, 63.8% considered it challenging to perform down-pack in molars (p < .05), and 28.6% believe that WVC resulted in a more reliable obturation compared to HC (p > .05). The students' self-reported confidence and difficulty were higher (p < .05), respectively, for HC and WVC. 45.7% of the students considered that HC resulted in fewer errors. However, no difference was found regarding procedural errors (p > .05). No difference was found regarding the distribution of the grades attributed by students and instructors when considering the different types of teeth and obturation techniques (p > .05). Results suggest a positive learning experience and similar performance of dental students regarding the implementation of a second obturation technique for molars in the preclinical endodontics course.