AN EVALUATION OF TRAINING GENERAL DENTAL PRACTITIONERS IN PARTIAL DENTURE DESIGN USING A COMPUTER-ASSISTED-LEARNING PROGRAM

The authors of this paper produced a computer-assisted learning (CAL) program on aspects of partial denture design which covered the topics of surveying, support and indirect retention. Version 1 of the program was evaluated by 65 general dental practitioners, the majority of whom did this at their own homes or practices whilst the rest came in to the School of Dentistry. Participants were of varied ages and computer experience. A total of 85% of the participants found the program easy to use and 78% claimed the program had improved their knowledge of partial denture design, although less than half thought it had improved their practical skills. Opinions varied on which of the three topics were the most useful, and interest in future CAL material for dentistry was high. The study shows that CAL can be an acceptable, effective and enjoyable form of training for general dental practitioners who have access to modern microcomputers.