Application of a multimedia-supported manikin system for preclinical dental training

AIM: In this study, we aimed to describe a multimedia-supported manikin system, compare the new manikin with the traditional manikin and evaluate its effectiveness in preclinical dentistry training. METHODS: A total of 150 students participated in this study. Amongst these students, 71 in the 2015-year group used traditional manikins (Group TM) for preclinical training courses (endodontics training courses and prosthodontics training courses), and 79 in the 2016-year group used manikins with a multimedia system (Group MM). The scores of the training courses between the two groups were compared. A questionnaire survey was used to collect opinions of the students in Group MM on their experience of using the multimedia-supported manikin system in the preclinical training. RESULTS: In the endodontics training courses, the scores of Group MM were higher than those of Group TM, but there was no significant difference (P = 0.379 > .05). However, the scores of prosthodontics training courses in Group MM were significantly higher than those in Group TM (P = 0.018 < .05). The questionnaire results indicated that the students in Group MM were satisfied with the device in usability, clarity, effectiveness and improvement in operation proficiency. CONCLUSIONS: In the groups studied, for preclinical dental training, the multimedia-supported manikin system was a good alternative to traditional manikin in preclinical dentistry training.