Computer-aided Learning (CAL): an effective way to teach the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN)?
OBJECTIVE
To identify if a lecture or access to a computer aided learning (CAL) programme is more effective in teaching undergraduate dental students IOTN.


METHODS
Prospective controlled trial.


METHODS
University Dental Hospital of Manchester, 1999


METHODS
Eighty-five 3rd year undergraduate dental students allocated by pseudo-randomisation to two groups. The first group received a lecture and seminar on IOTN, and the second group were given a seminar and access to a purpose written CAL programme.


METHODS
A standard test was given to the two groups in the form of ten sets of patient records that they had to score with IOTN Dental Health Component (DHC) and Aesthetic Component (AC).


RESULTS
There was no difference in mean score for the two groups with AC score (5.02 and 5.03). The CAL group of students performed best for DHC grade (mean score 5.41 compared with 4.24 for lecture group) and this was statistically significant (p < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Undergraduate dental students can learn to use IOTN as well or better when using a CAL programme compared with a lecture.
Lowe
C I
CI
Department of Dental Medicine and Surgery, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
Wright
J L
JL
Bearn
D R
DR
D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D003753:Dental Health Surveys; D004497:Education, Dental / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000175:diagnosis; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009970:Orthodontics / Q000193:education*; D018401:Sample Size