Research project This PhD project explores how digital assessment tools can address the challenges of subjective evaluations and improve both student learning outcomes and patient safety
Assessment of preclinical dental education is crucial to ensuring that students possess the skills required for patient care. Currently, student performance is evaluated by clinical supervisors, which can result in subjective and inconsistent assessments, potentially leading to insufficient manual skills among students. Digital tools have been globally introduced in preclinical dental education to address these challenges, offering more objective, accurate, and standardized evaluations.
This doctoral project explores how the digital tool Dental Teacher can enhance dental education by improving students' assessment capabilities, decision-making, and clinical skills. The research focuses on comparing traditional visual assessments with the use of Dental Teacher to evaluate dental preparations. By introducing a standardized digital template, the project aims to improve the reliability and objectivity of assessments for both educators and students.
Students' ability to evaluate and develop their clinical skills is a central part of the study. They assess the quality of dental preparations and make decisions regarding necessary adjustments, supported by feedback and guidance from Dental Teacher. The tool's potential to aid decision-making is further examined through surveys and interviews, aiming to provide insights into students' learning experiences.
The project also investigates how the use of Dental Teacher influences clinical reasoning and collaboration when treating real patient cases. Students analyze patient data, including clinical photographs and scans, to discuss treatment options and therapeutic decisions. By analyzing these discussions, the project seeks to determine how digital tools can enhance learning outcomes, promote better decision-making, and ultimately improve the quality of patient care.
The primary aim of this doctoral project is to evaluate the impact of digital assessment tools on student learning and their potential to enhance outcomes in preclinical dental education.
