Development of a graphic application and evaluation of teaching and learning of the bisecting-angle technique for periapical radiographs

The use of the bisecting-angle technique for periapical radiographs, one of the techniques most frequently used by dentists, yields a high rate of errors, and dental students should understand and master its performance. Difficulties in teaching this complex technique led teachers to reassess traditional teaching and learning processes. This study investigated a graphic application to prepare students to use the bisecting-angle technique, and evaluated its application in an undergraduate course. An interactive graphic application was developed with theoretical and practical lessons that cover the correct performance of the bisecting-angle technique. Twenty undergraduate students were selected: 10 for the test group (conventional teaching and computer-aided learning) and 10 for the control group (conventional teaching only). A practical simulation with patient and a practical test using phantoms were conducted for evaluation. In the simulation test, the mean score of the test group was 71.66%, and the control group, 58.33%. Mean grade in the practical test was also higher in the test group: 8.25 versus 6.95. All users felt that the application facilitated learning. The use of virtual resources improved the understanding and mastering of a radiographic technique by dental students. Key words: learning; computer-aided learning; periapical radiograph