Low- and medium-fidelity models for core skills in dentistry

Periodontal disease is seen very frequently in general veterinary practice and is quoted as the most common non-infectious disease of companion animals (Harvey 1998). Historically, although innovative dental treatment is mentioned in textbooks dating from the early 20th century (Hobday 1900), the subject has received little attention within veterinary curricula. In the United Kingdom, no veterinary school has a residency training programme in dentistry. The lack of secondary referral status within UK veterinary schools also means dentistry has low prestige and popularity compared to other clinical specialties.

Within recent years, veterinary educationalists have responded to the need for more training in basic ‘day 1’ dentistry skills. This poster describes two strategies used to teach basic techniques. One is an adaptation of the ceramic tile prophylaxis model developed by Lumbis et al (2012). The adaptation involves the students making their own low-fidelity model (using insulating tape instead of sealant for the gingiva) and then ‘treating’ it with both sub gingival curettes and an ultrasonic probe. The second model employs a simple resin casting technique to create a hemimandible or hemi maxilla (medium fidelity), which can be used for prophylaxis in more than one plane, gingival flap design (for surgical extractions, if a gingival layer is added), and crown sectioning.
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Harvey, C.E. (1998) Periodontal disease in dogs. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice 28(5): 1111-1129