Effectiveness of Fully Remote Practical Training in Dental Education: A Case Study Using Video Conferencing and Communication Tools for the Preparation of Removable Partial Dentures

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of fully remote practical training for the preparation of removable partial dentures, using the video meeting platform Zoom and the communication app. LINE. Materials and Methods: Remote training was applied for one student using Zoom and LINE at the same time as in-person training for the rest of the class. Consumable and instruments needed were delivered to the student subject to remote training in advance. The student’s work was assessed in front of a web camera, at a pre-determined checkpoint during each step. The actual appliances were then mailed to the instructors and reevaluated. The extent of agreement among the assessors for the video-based and direct evaluations, as well as the extent of agreement between the video-based and direct evaluations were calculated. Results: The introduction of Zoom facilitated mutual communication between the student and the instructors. LINE has proven beneficial for practical training. A fully remote practical training class can be conducted smoothly by assigning a dedicated instructor for remote training. The Κ coefficient for agreement between monitor-based and direct evaluations was 0.704 ± 0.12. The survey results indicated that this practical training style was effective in enhancing knowledge and skills. Conclusions: Fully remote blended learning practical training is feasible using Zoom and LINE; however, the tasks to be conducted must be carefully selected. This study is a case report of a single student; thus, future studies should involve fully remote training of small groups to evaluate its educational effectiveness.