Evaluation of Students' Self-Perceived Competence in Dental Trauma Management in a Case-Based Simulation Training.

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a case-based hands-on training session on dental students' self-perceived competence in managing traumatic dental injuries (TDI) using an innovative 3D-printed model.

Methods: Fifth-year undergraduate students were invited to voluntarily participate in a hands-on training on dental traumatology. Participants worked through a case-based multi-injury trauma using a specially designed 3D-printed model, allowing them to practice examination, diagnosis, and treatment procedures in a realistic clinical scenario. A questionnaire evaluating self-perceived competence in various TDI management domains was conducted immediately before, directly after, and 12 months after the training. Pre- and post-training scores were analyzed statistically.

Results: A total of 42 students participated in the training over two consecutive years. Thirty students participated in the evaluation 12 months after the training. Participants demonstrated a statistically significant increase in self-perceived competence for most assessed areas directly after the training, which kept true even after 12 months. The only exception was "worries about complications during clinical management," which showed no significant change.

Conclusion: Simulation-based hands-on training substantially enhanced dental students' self-perceived competence in managing TDI.