BACKGROUND
Preclinical training on manikins is a key component of dental medicine education. Preclinical practice on traditional manikins and real clinical practice shows massive differences. Specifically, preclinical training on traditional manikins is inefficient.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to describe a manikin with a multimedia system and evaluate its effectiveness in preclinical dentistry training.
METHODS
A total of 159 students participated in this study. Amongst these students, 80 used traditional manikins (Group TM) for preclinical practices, including cavity preparation and full-crown preparation, and 79 used a manikin with a multimedia system (Group MM). The cavity preparation scores and full-crown preparation grades of the two groups were compared. The students and teachers completed a final questionnaire survey to evaluate their experience of preclinical practices using the manikin with a multimedia system.
RESULTS
Group MM performed better than Group TM in the preclinical practices of cavity preparation and full-crown preparation. The final questionnaire results indicated that students in Group MM were satisfied with the clarity, simulation, helpfulness in mastering operation points quickly and improvement in operation proficiency provided by the manikin with a multimedia system. The teachers were satisfied with the teaching effect of the manikin with a multimedia system and had a high opinion of the students’ mastery.
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study indicated that manikins with a multimedia system are a good alternative traditional manikins in preclinical dentistry training.
Development of an online tooth morphology course in response to COVID‐19 restrictions
