Summary Review/Orthodontics
Evidence-Based Dentistry (2006) 7, 77. doi:10.1038/sj.ebd.6400432
CAL programs in orthodontics elicit positive responses from students
Is computer-aided learning an effective method of teaching orthodontics?
Address for correspondence: Dr James Posluns, Discipline of Orthodontics, Room 200B, University of Toronto, 124 Edward Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1G6. E-mail: james.posluns@utoronto.ca.
Damien Walmsley1
1School of Dentistry, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
Rosenberg H, Sander M, Posluns J. The effectiveness of computer-aided learning in teaching orthodontics: a review of the literature. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2005; 127: 599–605
Abstract
Data sources
Studies were sourced using Medline, the Cochrane Library, Embase Educational Resources Information Centre, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, Library and Information Science Abstracts, Psycinfo and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, along with reference lists of identified articles.
Study selection
Only randomised controlled trials (RCT) or prospective controlled trials comparing computer-aided learning (CAL) with another method of instruction were considered. Participants had to be homogenous groups of undergraduate dental students or graduate students. The outcome measures had to objectively measure post-test scores on multiple choice, written or oral tests; performance on a clinical procedure or clinical interview; or time spent on CAL programs to learn the material presented. Responses to questionnaires about the participants' attitudes toward the mode of learning were also included.
Data extraction and synthesis
Initial screening was conducted by a single reviewer with two independent assessors determining eligibility. Validity and quality were assessed using a checklist with differences being resolved by discussion.
Results
Thirty-three articles were identified that were related to CAL in orthodontics. Of nine articles meeting the criteria, four met the quality score and were included. The controlled trials of CAL in orthodontics that met our quality assessment checklist cutoff score of 8 were split, with two showing that CAL enjoyed a significant advantage over conventional teaching, one showing no difference, and one showing that the conventional tutorial method was better.
Conclusions
More high-quality trials evaluating the effectiveness of CAL in orthodontics are needed. CAL programs in orthodontics elicit mostly positive responses and attitudes from students toward learning.
MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS
These links to content published by NPG are automatically generated
