3D Surface Analysis as a Method to Evaluate Progress of Students' Restorative Skills Over Time.

Introduction: Digital scanning technology in dental education is on the rise offering precise feedback for indirect restorations. This technology could have similar applications for direct restorations worth exploring. To this end, this study used 3D surface analysis to measure students' ability to restore teeth's occlusal and proximal contours over time.

Method: 169 teeth restored with composite were scanned with a desktop scanner (E3, 3Shape, Copenhagen) at the end of an academic year. Compound composite restorations were performed in three iterations by 2nd year students enrolled in their first preclinical course. Standard Tessellation Language (STL) files of all restored teeth were analysed for fit with a digital reference using a surface matching software (Geomagic Control 2021; 3D systems). The 3D digital surface analysis output was compared at the different iterations. Additionally, the association between the 3D surface analysis output and scores awarded by tutors was assessed to evaluate this technology's potential to enhance students' independent learning.

Results: Assessment of restored surfaces using 3D surface analyses showed statistically significant differences between second and third iterations (p < 0.001). There was a positive association between tutors' scores and the 3D surface analysis data.

Conclusion: The results suggest that digital scanning and 3D surface analysis technology could enhance feedback and promote students' independent learning.