Dental trauma simulation training using four splinting models: A cross sectional study

BACKGROUND/AIM: Opportunities for dental students to obtain clinical experience in the management of traumatic dental injuries are scarce, and most dentists encounter difficulties with their first trauma patients after graduation. The aim of this study was to question students on the ease of handling of four types of flexible splints, with two common methods of bonding to the tooth. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 161 fourth year dental students completed a simulated treatment of an avulsed tooth using orthodontic wire, Twistflex wire, nylon fishing line, and Powermesh as splints. The bonding materials were composite resin (Spectra ST LV) or glass ionomer cement (GC Fuji LC Ortho). The students then answered 16 questions on a 5‐point Likert scale, or with an open answer field. RESULTS: Most students agreed (48.8%) or strongly agreed (31.3%) that the simulated trauma exercise assisted their learning. There was strong agreement (68.8%) and agreement (28.7%) that the simulation added value to their dental training compared to didactic training only. Similarly, 52.3% of participants strongly agreed and 40% agreed that they felt engaged in the learning activity. Only 53.8% of the participants agreed and 7.5% strongly agreed that the simulation felt realistic. Most students (56.2%) found a Powermesh/composite splint was the easiest to place, and nylon fishing line/GC Fuji LC Ortho splints was the least difficult to remove (35%). CONCLUSION: Wire‐free splints with composite bonding were judged as the easiest to place by students, while glass ionomer cement was the easiest to remove.