How are we Evaluating the Effectiveness of Simulation in Dental Education? Are the Skills Transferrable? A Review

Abstract

Background: Providing fluent transition of clinical skills from preclinical level into dental clinics is a major concern amongst dental educators, for which various effective and valid tools have been developed. Previous research in dental education have not adequately addressed the effect of simulation events or environment on skill transferability from preclinical level into clinics. Objectives: To find effect of simulation events or environment on skill transferability from preclinical level into clinics. Methods: Out of 3297 searched articles, a total of 15 articles were included in this review searched through “MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL” as the main search engines. This included primary studies that comprised original studies and reviews and secondary study in the form of report were included. Findings: Virtual reality simulators have proved their feasibility in diagnosis, obtaining objective and immediate evaluation and developing critical thinking. On the other hand, interactive and Internet-based simulations have proved their efficiency in remote learning, promoting information retention in students’ memories, providing new scopes in courseware development, and enhancing the understanding of some theoretical aspects of dentistry. Finally, conventional simulation is still mastering dental manual practicing process and their role in acquisition of clinical skills remain valid until new technology and business world could create alternative tools. Conclusion: Dental skills transferability is affected by interaction of several factors which affects one another.