Clinical Evaluation of Pit and Fissure Sealants Placed by Intern Dental Students After Tele-demonstration Technique
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Completed
- Sponsor
- Mansoura University
- Enrollment
- 50
- Locations
- 2
- Primary Endpoint
- sealant retention
Study Overview
Brief Summary
Abstract
Background:
Dental caries remains a major public health issue worldwide, particularly among children. Pit and fissure sealants represent a high-quality, evidence-based preventive measure. However, ensuring the reliability of their application by newly graduated intern dental students trained through tele-education remains an emerging area of growing interest.
Objective:
To evaluate the clinical success rate of pit and fissure sealants placed by intern dental students following tele-demonstration training versus traditional training approaches.
Methods:
This randomized controlled trial involved 100 mandibular first permanent molars in 50 children aged 7 to 9 years, treated by 20 dental interns assigned to two groups using a split-mouth design. One group received direct clinical demonstration, while the other received tele-education via a pre-recorded video. Sealant retention and marginal discoloration were assessed after a 3-month period.
Keywords:
tele-dentistry, tele-demonstration, tele-education, intern dental students, sealants, first permanent molar
Detailed Description
Abstract
Background:
Dental caries continues to be one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide, with the highest incidence occurring among school-aged children. The occlusal surfaces of permanent molars are particularly susceptible due to their deep pits and fissures, which favor plaque accumulation and limit effective cleaning. The application of pit and fissure sealants has been widely recognized as an evidence-based preventive strategy that provides a physical barrier against cariogenic challenges. The quality and longevity of sealant placement, however, largely depend on the clinician's skill and adherence to proper clinical protocols. In recent years, the integration of tele-dentistry into dental education-specifically through tele-demonstration and tele-education-has gained growing attention as a means to enhance learning accessibility, particularly during times of restricted clinical training opportunities. Nevertheless, the clinical efficacy of procedures performed by newly graduated intern dental students following such digital training remains insufficiently explored.
Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate and compare the clinical performance and success rate of pit and fissure sealants applied by intern dental students trained through a tele-demonstration video-based module versus those trained through traditional chair side (face-to-face) demonstration. The primary endpoint was sealant retention, while secondary outcomes included marginal discoloration after a 3-month follow-up period.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Parallel
- Primary Purpose
- Prevention
- Masking
- Double (Participant, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 7 Years to 9 Years (Child)
- Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria
- •Children age extending from 7 - 9 years
- •bilaterally caries-prone, sound lower first permanent molars
Exclusion Criteria
- •Teeth with initial carious lesions or cavitated lesions
- •children parents or legal guardians were unable to provide informed consent.
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
sealant retention
Time Frame: 3 months post application
The retention rate of sealants was evaluated according to 'Simonsen's criteria' \[10\]: (a) Total retention - complete coverage of the occlusal surface by the sealant (score 0); (b) Partial loss - sealant present with visible fractures or partial loss of material (score 1); and (c) Total loss - complete absence of the sealant from the occlusal surface (score 2).
Secondary Outcomes
- marginal discoloration(3 months post application)
Investigators
ahmed elsebaai
lecturer
Mansoura University