Clinical simulation as an effective teaching model in the Special Needs Dentistry course

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Clinical simulation is a teaching-learning methodology that shows positive results in clinical learning, emphasizing the importance of active learning due to its proximity to real-life professional settings. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of clinical simulation as a learning tool in the course of Special Needs Dentistry and Geriatric Dentistry Courses at one Dental School in Spain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of six different scenarios were performed. Evaluation of the students was carried out using assessment checklist, the data were collected item by item, recording the evaluation provided (Yes/No) by the three evaluators in the initial simulation (PRE) and six months later (POST). Data analysis was performed using R version 4.0.3 and Bartlett's test and one-way ANOVA were used. RESULTS: At the re-evaluation six months later, all participants achieved a significantly higher score on the checklist assessment. In all scenarios, there was adequate concordance among evaluators, with no statistically significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: High-fidelity clinical simulation helps improve students' clinical performance over time, particularly their ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practice.The average scores obtained by students were higher in the final phase (six months later) compared to the initial phase.