Mizuki HOSHINO, Takumi SATO, Futoshi NAKAMURA, Sayaka TSUZUNO, Mana HASEGAWA, Noritaka FUJII
Journal of Dental Sciences and Education - 2026;4(1):11-16
Aims: Dental clinical skills include subtle techniques, such as applying an appropriate amount of force depending on the procedure. This study investigated the training effects of using pressure sensors on force magnitude control during the dental procedure. Methods: Forty-two dental trainees participated in this study. The experimental task was a fit test, assessing the pressure contact of a denture against the mandible. The force applied by each participant was measured using a modified mannequin equipped with a digital force gauge. Fit test training was performed under conditions specifying the presence or absence of fit test material and various degrees of force, with 50 N set as the standard. After training, the ability to control force magnitude was statistically evaluated by examining the error between the specified and actual values. Results: The presence of the fit test material did not affect the force magnitude, and the time required decreased in proportion to the number of trials. Initially, not all participants were able to apply 50 N without special instructions. However, after training, the measured values exceeded 50 N. The error from the target value was significantly larger when 70 N was designated compared to 50 N. Errors between the specified and actual values obtained at 30-60 N exhibited a decreasing trend in each successive cycle. Conclusion: Visualized numerical data are effective for developing practical force control. This form of experiential learning may contribute to the early retention of basic dental skills.
