An experimental platform to evaluate self-assessment skills for 3 ^rd year dental students

Objectives: The objectives of the study are to investigate the self-assessment skills for 3 rd year dental students and evaluate the effect of an experimental platform that was created for that purpose. Material and Methods: An experimental platform received photographs from 3 rd -year dental students’ work assignments, with added self-assessment comments regarding the quality and errors of the work performed. To assess the effect of this exercise, a study design was set up in which dental students ( n = 86) were compared with a group of faculty graders ( n = 8) for evaluation of completed dental treatment photographs according to their quality on a grid. A questionnaire was held to evaluate the students’ appreciation of the self-assessment platform. Results: Significant differences were found between the students and the faculty grader group. The crown preparation evaluation results seemed to differ between the metal-ceramic preparation and ceramic preparation; students were less able to detect imperfections for better quality ceramic preparation, and the endodontic access cavity showed no significant differences except for the finishing criterion ( P = 0.001). The endodontic canal obturation evaluation showed significant differences regarding all the criteria, with the exception of the limit criterion ( P = 0.147). The students’ appreciation questionnaire revealed a positive impact of the self-assessment platform. Conclusion: The current platform tool presents several beneficial features including ease of setup, simplicity, and low cost. Moreover, the students found it to be a useful and efficient tool for enhanced communication and self-assessment.