Impact of one-to-one mentoring sessions on student and staff evaluation of preclinical complete denture teeth setup exercise

Introduction: The undergraduate dental curriculum in most of the Indian dental schools comprises of the initial preparatory phase of preclinical exercises followed by clinical exercises. In the preclinical phase, setting of artificial teeth and their evaluation by staff members is an essential part of prosthodontic dental curriculum. The method of evaluation has always been one dimensional and subject to variation. Objective: The primary objective of the study is the importance of one-to-one mentoring of staff with students on their performance in preclinical complete denture setup. The other objectives of the study include the evaluation of the importance of self-evaluation of students on their overall performance as well as agreement level between students and staff evaluation. Subjects and Methods: Twenty-six male and female 2nd year preclinical students were chosen for the study. Pre- and posttests were administered to the students, and evaluation of their practical exercises was done by means of a structured evaluation form. Descriptive statistics, t-test, and Z-test were done. Results: In comparison between pre- and posttest student evaluation, only cast and record bases fabrication and arch form establishment steps showed improvement, which was statistically significant (P = 0.006 and P= 0.051, respectively). In comparison between pre- and posttest staff evaluation, relationship with the occlusal plane and occlusal relationship of posterior teeth to ridge showed improvement, which was statistically significant (P = 0.015 and P = 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: The agreement levels of staff and student pre- and posttest evaluation were very good, but the present study only elucidates only minor improvements in tooth-setting exercise both at student and staff pre- and posttest evaluations. The tooth-setting criteria which showed improvements were record bases fabrication, arch form establishment, relationship with the occlusal plane, and occlusal relationship of posterior teeth to ridge.