title: The predictive utility of computer-simulated exercises for preclinical technique performance.
abstract: The objective of this research was to determine if a computerized simulated dental exercise predicts students' subsequent performance in preclinical technique courses. Twenty-nine first-year dental students voluntarily participated in the investigation prior to their first experience with a dental handpiece. These students prepared an ideal Class I amalgam on an ivorine mandibular first molar tooth after viewing ten-minute videotaped instructions. Students completed the Class I amalgam on a computerized dental treatment simulator (SIM). All participants' SIM scores were correlated with sub-test scores of the Dental Admission Test (DAT), predental overall grade point average (GPA), predental Biology/Chemistry/Physics grade point average (BCP), and grades from the first two preclinical laboratory technique courses (Lab 1 and Lab 2). The results showed a significant correlation between the simulator scores and DAT sub-test scores of Academic Average and Total Science, as well as Lab 1 scores. Based on these results, the simulator appears to be a good measure of general cognitive ability, including cognitive ability required to complete uncomplicated preclinical exercises.
authors.affiliation: School of Dentistry, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA. sgray@dental.temple.edu
authors.forename: Sarah A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Gray
authors.forename: Lisa P
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Deem
authors.forename: June A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Sisson
authors.forename: Penny L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Hammrich
mesh_terms: D001077:Aptitude Tests; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods*; D004497:Education, Dental / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D009048:Motor Skills; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012984:Software / Q000592:standards; D013335:Students, Dental; D014481:United States; D014584:User-Computer Interface