Abstract
BackgroundIn the last decade, 3D virtual models have been used for educational purposes in the health sciences, specifically for teaching human anatomy and pathology. These models provide an opportunity to didactically visualize key spatial relations that can be poorly understood when taught by traditional educational approaches. Caries lesion detection is a crucial process in dentistry that has been reported to be difficult to learn. One especially difficult aspect is linking clinical characteristics of the different severity stages with their histological features, which is fundamental for treatment decision-making.ObjectiveThis project was designed to develop a virtual 3D digital model of caries lesion formation and progression to aid the detection of lesions at different severity stages as a potential complement to traditional lectures.MethodsPedagogical planning, including identification of objectives, exploration of the degree of difficulty of caries diagnosis–associated topics perceived by dental students and lecturers, review of the literature regarding key concepts, and consultation of experts, was performed prior to constructing the model. An educational script strategy was created based on the topics to be addressed (dental tissues, biofilm stagnation areas, the demineralization process, caries lesion progression on occlusal surfaces, clinical characteristics related to different stages of caries progression, and histological correlations). Virtual 3D models were developed using the Virtual Man Project and refined using multiple 3D software applications. In the next phase, computer graphic modelling and previsualization were executed. After that, the video was revised and edited based on suggestions. Finally, explanatory subtitles were generated, the models were textured and rendered, and voiceovers in 3 languages were implemented.ResultsWe developed a 6-minute virtual 3D dynamic video in 3 languages (English, Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese) intended for dentists and dental students to support teaching and learning of caries lesion detection. The videos were made available on YouTube; to date, they have received more than 100,000 views.ConclusionsComplementary pedagogical tools are valuable to support cariology education. This tool will be further tested in terms of utility and usability as well as user satisfaction in achieving the proposed objectives in specific contexts.
Highlights
Dental caries is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide [1]
Using the process described in the Methods section, a 6-minute dynamic video was produced in 3 languages (English, Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese) showing the dental structures, biofilm stagnation areas, caries lesion formation, demineralization process, caries lesion progression, and severity stages of caries lesions on occlusal surfaces according to the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) (Figure 2 and Figure 3)
The first 6 months were dedicated to idealization of the project, formation of the team, and design of the methodology to assess the topics to be included in the learning object
Summary
Dental caries is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide [1] It is caused by the interaction of several factors that culminate in dissolution of the localized chemical tooth structure by metabolic events occurring in the oral biofilm [2]. The importance of caries detection lies in the possibility of confirming the presence or absence of disease, assessing its prognosis, contributing to the decision-making process, informing the patient, and monitoring the clinical course of the disease [5]. In this sense, adequate caries detection is fundamental for planning and implementing health policies aimed to control the disease [6]. One especially difficult aspect is linking clinical characteristics of the different severity stages with their histological features, which is fundamental for treatment decision-making
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