High-Fidelity Simulation in Dental Treatment under General Anesthesia: An Interventional Study

Background: Traditional lecturing has been the most frequently used method for teaching Dental Treatment under General Anesthesia for years. However, it been criticized for its limited effectiveness in achieving students’ learning outcomes. Simulation-based training offers dental students a ‘real’ hands-on experience in a safe and effective learning environment. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of simulation in the process of learning dental treatment under general anesthesia. Design: Simulation sessions of dental care under general anesthesia were organized for 33 post graduate dental students. The effectiveness of the simulation sessions was measured by comparing the level of knowledge of the group exposed to simulation with that of the students who were not. Student satisfaction was measured by means of a questionnaire administered at the end of the session. Conclusion: For the exposed group, the average score was significantly higher after simulation (p < 0.001). The difference in the average scores of the two groups was significant (P = 0.024). This study confirm that simulation-based training may offer excellent opportunities for learners to increase patient safety, improve their clinical competence and confidence Integrating simulations into dental curricula is necessary in order to provide students with the opportunity to practice safe dental care in a safe and realistic learning environment.