(PO-006) Bruxism Oral Appliances: A Guide by Students for Students

Author: Ramanpreet Randhawa, BDS – Dental Student, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry
Author: Karla A. Mejia-Pineda, Mejia-Pineda, DDS MS in Orthodontics – Dental Student, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry
Author: Julie A. Marshall, DDS MS in Prosthodontics – Advanced Standing Dental Program Director, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry
Submitter: Karla A. Mejia-Pineda, Mejia-Pineda, DDS MS in Orthodontics – Dental Student, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry

Objective: E-modules created and designed by students produce powerful synergy addressing specific learning gaps and high frequency clinical errors in an efficient, accessible manner. This study investigated the perceived usefulness by D3/D4 students of an interactive asynchronous e-Module addressing common misunderstandings of bruxism clinical findings, oral appliance designs, fabrication materials/techniques, CDT coding, clinical application, and their recommended e-Module user.

Methods: This e-module was created using Articulate Storyline© software, incorporating 10 interactive formative assessment questions and was developed as part of a collaborative student/faculty partnership program. Dental students (Nf113 D3/D4) completed the e-Module assignment. Feedback reaction survey response rate 58% to 75% (Nf32 D4 and Nf44 D3) assessed objectives, images/video, post assessments, descriptive feedback (scale 1-5) and anticipated future use in academic and clinical training. Respondents identified which dental health team members and dentist experience level they would recommend the e-Module.

Results: The independent sample test was used to compare the mean student reaction variables between D3 and D4 students. Fisher’s exact test was used to compare recommendation with D3/D4 status. All analysis was done using SAS 9.4 and a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Positive agreement for each feedback reaction occurred with both user groups. The range of mean scores for each feedback reaction was 4.05-4.50 (1-5 score interval). There was no statistically significant difference in the mean student reactions variable between D3 and D4 students. There is a statistically significant association between recommendation of e-Module for hygienists and dental student year (p=0.0145). 52% of 3rd year students responded the e-Module should be recommended to hygienists compared to 81% of 4th year students.

Conclusion: Bruxism oral appliance e-module received positive feedback from dental student users. Feedback evaluations support e-module use for reinforcing foundational knowledge for clinical patient care and is a helpful tool to target potential users.