Utilizing Plastinated Head and Neck Dissections for Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD) Anatomy Laboratories in a Curriculum Approaching Reorganization: The “Guinea Pig” Cohort's Experience

Abstract

The University of Nevada Las Vegas’ School of Dental Medicine (UNLV SDM) recently acquired 36 Von Hagens plastinated head and neck specimens to be used in the first semester “Head and Neck Anatomy and Neuroscience” course. The 2020-entry class was the first cohort of students to supplement their digital-based anatomy curriculum with human specimens. From a student perspective, there was trepidation regarding the change and workload addition as previous cohorts did not use this educational approach yet successfully passed their board exams, were accepted into residency programs and found quality employment. Positive reports did document that the ability to conceptualize the three-dimensional anatomy was greatly enhanced. Previous cohorts informally reported that this addition would have enhanced their learning and retention. From a faculty perspective, considerations related to COVID social-distancing requirements, lecture hall availability and encouraging student preparedness were clear challenges. A regular frustration arose as plastination hinders an instructor's ability to follow structures and reflect more muscle or bone to demonstrate deeper anatomy. UNLV SDM is awaiting re-accreditation, which was delayed due to COVID, prior to executing a curriculum reorganization. Currently, first year students have a 26-credit semester with heavy workload, even in the smaller, modular courses. This creates major constraints on the students’ ability to master the content for assessments and retain the content for the NBDE board exam and clinical practice. Instructors modified structures lists, lecture topics for discussion and lab expectation continually throughout the semester to help students make the experience as meaningful as possible. This is a unique curricular reorganization as the contact hours for anatomy remain the same but the workload increases; many graduate-level health profession programs are decreasing workload and contact hours in anatomy.