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The Predictive Utility of Computer‐Simulated Exercises for Preclinical Technique Performance
Author(s) -
Gray Sarah A.,
Deem Lisa P.,
Sisson June A.,
Hammrich Penny L.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
journal of dental education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.53
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1930-7837
pISSN - 0022-0337
DOI - 10.1002/j.0022-0337.2003.67.11.tb03714.x
Subject(s) - test (biology) , amalgam (chemistry) , class (philosophy) , dentistry , dental education , cognition , medical physics , educational measurement , medicine , physical therapy , psychology , simulation , computer science , curriculum , artificial intelligence , paleontology , pedagogy , chemistry , electrode , psychiatry , biology
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.