Local Anesthesia Preclinical Training Using A Mixed-Reality Haptic Fidelity Model
(PO-155) Local Anesthesia Preclinical Training Using A Mixed-reality Haptic Fidelity Model
Sunday, March 20, 2022
1:00pm – 3:00pm EST
Location: Hall C
Author: Jensine M. Lamira, M.S. – University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Author: Charlotte Wilson, M.S. – Visiting Assistant Professor, Tulane University Author: Caley Orr, Ph.D. – Assistant Professor, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Author: Laurice De la Rosa, RDH – Clinical Assistant Professor, Director of Academic Technology Initiatives, University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine Author: Thomas Greany, D.D.S. – Clinical Assistant Professor, Director of Academic Technology Initiatives, University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine Submitter: Jensine M. Lamira, M.S. – University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of a novel inferior alveolar (IA) simulator, a three dimensional (3D) printed mixed-reality haptic fidelity model, upon second year dental students prior to their lab session in which they practice on a student partner.
Methods: Thirty-nine student participants, enrolled in the Pain Control I course, volunteered to practice with the IA simulator. Student participants were divided into two groups, Group A and Group B. Self-reported confidence levels and injection-specific accuracy were measured during IA simulator practice and lab. During lab, partner numbness was also observed as a proxy for IANB success. Group A (n = 20) practiced with the IA simulator prior to practicing on their student partner during lab; and Group B (n = 19) practiced with the IA simulator after lab. Injection domains (e.g. position of the needle and syringe) were not assessed during Group B’s practice with the IA simulator.
Results: A significant increase was seen in Group A’s self-reported confidence levels in regard to performing an IANB on a student partner and on a future patient (P < 0.001). Eighty-two percent of Group B, student participants who did not use the IA simulator prior to injecting their student partner, did not get their partner numb during lab, whereas 52.6% of Group A achieved student partner numbness during lab. Therefore, significant increase can be seen from Group A after using the IA simulator (P = 0.029).
Conclusion: In this study, confidence to perform an IANB improved and higher anesthetic success was achieved for Group A. Further investigation is necessary to determine the long-term impact of using the IA simulator.
