MedEdPORTAL (Aug 2009)

Dentin Dysplasia (Tiffany) (Out of Print)

  • Jan Hu,
  • Marsha Beattie,
  • Carole Anne Murdoch-Kinch,
  • Amy Coplen,
  • Michael Bleed,
  • Lynn Johnson

DOI
https://doi.org/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.5108
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 5

Abstract

Read online

Abstract Tiffany is a 25-year-old female who grew up with small brown primary teeth and has permanent teeth with thin enamel prone to abscess and breakage. Through the assessment information and interview students will see that Tiffany has bulbous crowns, thin enamel, and missing pulp chambers. She also has retained root tips from an extraction and is currently in the office due to a sensitive and broken tooth. Her mother and several extended family members have a similar condition affecting their teeth. This simulation has not been used with dental students yet, but is scheduled for the winter of 2009. Simulations like it have been used in a variety of settings at the University of Michigan with first year dental and dental hygiene students as well as pedodontic residents. It has also been used with dental students at the University of Detroit Mercy and residents at the University of Washington. We saw the students working through the case in many different ways. Some would work together looking at one computer with one person typing notes. Others would work on individual computers and some divided the assignment into sections so that they could work on it in an asynchronous way. Many students commented on liking the group work and the ”real world” situation. Seeing the patient interview brought things to life for the students imagining that this was one of their patients and for many this was their favorite part. They also commented that it helped bring information from multiple courses together and put it into action. Each student must create a login and password to get access to the simulation. They must also choose a group or to work as an individual. Clear instructions are very important. Sample assignments and training materials that contain detailed instructions are available. Training should align closely to when assignment is given to reduce the amount of time the students have to forget how to use the program. If the students are working in groups, instructors should track the students through the instructor's tool kit to make sure they get logged into the correct groups.

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