(PO08) Assessment of the Performance and Learning Experience of Pre-Doctoral Students to Perform Endodontic Access Using 3D Printed Models as an Educational Aid

Abstract: This study assessed the impact of 3D prototyped models as an educational aid for teaching endodontic access by evaluating the dental students' learning experience, self-evaluation, and performance at a preclinical level. Micro-CT scans of human extracted teeth (maxillary incisors, maxillary premolars, and mandibular molars) were used to prototype 3D models simulating two types of endodontic access cavities for each tooth (ideal and incomplete). Seventy-two students from the preclinical endodontics course voluntarily participated in this study. The participants were randomly divided into three groups with different viewing sessions of models. These sessions occurred before, in between, or after performing endodontic access. The viewing sessions rotated for each type of tooth (anterior, premolar, and molar) per group. Students performed a total of nine endodontic accesses and answered a questionnaire appraising their learning experience and self-evaluation. Instructors graded projects blinded to the students' participation in the research. Data were statistically analyzed with the significance set at 5%. Most participants agreed that the models aided in comprehending anatomic features and shaping endodontic access (p < .05). Sixty percent reported increased confidence when performing endodontic access after manipulating the models. No significant differences were observed regarding the presence of errors between the groups (p > .05), but the total number of errors was greater for the students who performed the accesses before visualizing the models (p < .05). Present results suggest that using 3D printed models can be a valuable tool to improve the learning experience of endodontic access during the preclinical laboratory.