Preclinical Suture Laboratory Effectiveness on Dental Student Clinical Experience: a pilot study.

Background: A mandatory preclinical suture laboratory was implemented as part of the Oral Surgery course where students were trained and allowed to practice various suturing techniques on cadavers under direct supervision of an oral surgeon. The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the students’ perception of the effectiveness of this lab experience in preparing them for performing sutures during their oral surgery rotations. Methods: : The second year dental students during 2014/2015 participated in a preclinical suturing lab. Suturing techniques were demonstrated to students by an oral surgeon, immediately followed by practice sessions. Students received formative feedback and the opportunity to repeat any procedure to ensure they were subsequently able to perform the techniques properly. Following their Oral Surgery rotation, students were asked to complete an electronic survey about their preclinical simulation lab experience. They rated how important they felt this simulation lab was to performing suturing correctly, whether the simulation lab was properly aligned in the curriculum, the course design and implementation of the simulation lab, time allocated for the session and practice, whether the didactic portion complement the preclinical lab portion, and overall impression of the simulation lab experience. Results: : Students who received the preclinical simulation lab suture training reported that they were more comfortable and confident in performing suturing techniques in their surgical rotations. Students also reported that it would be helpful having more practice sessions available. Conclusion: The laboratory was effective in preparing the pre-doctoral students at the right time of the program to perform various suture techniques prior to starting oral surgery rotations.