(PR102) Vital Pulp Therapy Treatment for Permanent Teeth: A Simulation Clinic Exercise

In May 2021, the AAE released a position statement on vital pulp therapy (VPT). In a follow-up survey of US dental schools they all schools that students receive a didactic lecture about VPT on permanent teeth. In contrast, only one-third of the schools teach VPT on permanent teeth as a technique exercise in the simulation/pre-clinic, while two-thirds of the schools do not.

Objective: The purpose of the project was to develop and assess a simulation clinic exercise to teach VPT utilizing a dental biomaterial that is inexpensive but has “handling” characteristics like that of a bioceramic.

Methods: A pre-assessment and post-assessment Qualtrics survey was developed regarding the simulation clinic exercise. Students completed the survey voluntarily and anonymously. The pre-post question survey attained an acceptable content validity index (CVI). Data was analyzed via Kruskal-Wallis test as well as descriptive median and thematic analysis.

Results: 100 second-year students participated in the VPT simulation clinic exercise. 99 students completed the pre-exercise survey; 68 students completed the post-exercise survey. The median data was significantly different between pre-and post-exercise assessment regarding: (1) Performing diagnostic tests; (2) Determining pulpal/apical diagnosis; and (3) managing VPT. Other post-topic assessments regarding: (1) rating the exercise; (2) meeting objectives; and (3) confidence in performing VPT were extremely favorable. Details of this innovative VPT simulation clinic exercise will be depicted.

Conclusion: A new simulation clinic exercise which teaches vital pulp therapy for permanent teeth has been developed and significantly improved student confidence to perform a VPT treatment in the clinic.