Wisdom Tooth Extraction Training for Dental Students: Step-by-Step or All-in-One?

<b>Aims/Background</b> For inexperienced dental students, impacted wisdom tooth extraction is a complex procedure involving a series of intricate steps. This study compared the effectiveness of step-by-step and all-in-one teaching methods for dental students learning impacted wisdom tooth extraction, by evaluating their practical abilities, understanding, and learning satisfaction. <b>Methods</b> Fifty dental students were randomly assigned to either a step-by-step teaching group (Group S) or an all-in-one teaching group (Group A) for impacted wisdom tooth extraction training. Their skills were assessed using the Assessment of Competency in Exodontia Skills (ACES) scoring system, and their theoretical knowledge was tested in a test. The students also completed a questionnaire to gauge their satisfaction regarding the teaching method received. <b>Results</b> The students in Group S demonstrated superior performance in clinical procedures compared to Group A, evidenced by the significantly higher ACES scores (<i>p</i> < 0.05). There was no significant difference in theoretical exam scores between the two groups (<i>p</i> > 0.05). The students in Group S reported higher general satisfaction (<i>p</i> < 0.05), suggesting a preference for the step-by-step approach. The results also showed that satisfaction toward hands-on practice and teaching sessions significantly contributed to general satisfaction, while satisfaction with mastery of clinical skills did not. <b>Conclusion</b> The step-by-step teaching method was more effective in improving students' clinical skills and augmenting their satisfaction during impacted wisdom tooth extraction training. Our findings support the use of incremental learning approaches in dental education to enhance both clinical competencies and students' learning experiences.