title: Effectiveness of computer-aided removable partial denture design.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Computer programs have been developed for removable partial denture (RPD) design, but their educational impact has never been investigated. This study measured the effectiveness of computer-based RPD design simulations in a traditional RPD design course for second-year dental students.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-six students were randomly assigned to four groups, two simulation and two control groups, at the beginning of the RPD design module. A cross-over design compared the two strategies during laboratory exercises. First, the simulation group worked with the simulation, while the control group met in small-group seminars with faculty. Post-test 1 was given, and then students switched teaching methods and post-test 2 was given. Each post-test had two parts. Part 1 involved designing an RPD based on specific patient criteria. Part 2 involved choosing the more correct of the two designs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Results showed a significant difference (p = .0072) in two of four test groups. Although it was an initial evaluation, the computer simulation was shown to be equivalent to faculty-led small-group seminars. Students also responded positively to a questionnaire on their perceived effectiveness of the simulations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results suggest that RPD design can be taught as effectively with computer-based simulations as with faculty-led seminars.
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, University of Iowa College of Dentistry, Iowa City 52240, USA.
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Lindquist
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Clancy
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: F J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Wiebelt
mesh_terms: D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D016734:Dental Clasps; D003779:Denture Design; D003832:Denture, Partial, Removable; D006801:Humans; D012984:Software