Earticle

Purpose: The study aims to analyze differences in the satisfaction level of dental technology students regarding in-person and online classes. It also aims to provide fundamental resources for the improvement of major subject class methods that will improve students’ self-directed learning abilities, thereby affecting their class satisfaction. Methods: In this study, a self-administered questionnaire was conducted from November 8 to November 30, 2021, for 256 dental technology students. The collected data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS Statistics ver. 21.0 statistical program. Frequency and percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test, ANOVA, post-hoc test, correlation analysis, and linear regression analysis were performed to analyze the data. Results: In the self-directed learning abilities, the attitude of the learners was shown to have the highest positive (+) correlation in both in-person and online classes, with a statistically significant effect (p<0.001) on class satisfaction in major subject classes. Moreover, the explanatory power of the model was 52.2% and 39.7%, respectively. Conclusion: We concluded from the study that there is a need for professors to improve teaching methods to increase learners’ self-directed learning competence, through problem- based learning, discussion learning, team-based collaborative learning, and mentormentee learning, thereby enabling learners to lead classes themselves.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate soldiers’ oral health practices and trust in military medical serviceswhile proposing strategies to enhance awareness and expand the roles of dental hygienists. Methods: An online survey using Naver Forms (Naver) was conducted from June 1 to July 14, 2024, targeting soldiers in Army Unit Y. Data from 134 respondents were analyzed. Results: Soldiers with greater interest in oral health were more likely to undergo regular dental check-ups, scaling, and brushing (p<0.05). Both dental check-ups and scaling increased post-enlistment (p<0.05), but only 15.6% of those highly interested in oral health utilized military dental services (p=0.784). Trust in military medical services declined with longer service, particularly among sergeants (p<0.001). Most soldiers primarily viewed dental hygienists as dental assistants (56.0%), reflecting limited awareness of their broader roles. Among those who used military dental facilities, 42.9% reported neutral satisfaction, whereas 57.1% expressed willingness to reuse the services. Conclusion: These findings emphasize the need to broaden the roles of dental hygienists in the military, particularly as oral health educators, to support the development of effective education and policy initiatives for oral health promotion.

Purpose: This study attempted to collect basic data to improve the basic repair ability of university freshmen in a world where the usage of advanced medical devices related to computer programs is now common. Methods: The collected data from 280 university freshmen enrolled in nursing, dental, and health degrees or computer and engineering degrees at K university of Gangwon-do were analyzed using the t-test, ANOVA, correlation analysis, and linear regression analysis using the IBM SPSS Statistics ver. 21.0 (IBM). Results: The mathematical learning status and the detailed factors of basic mathematical ability had a positive (+) correlation. The factors of basic mathematical ability, psychology of learning (p<0.001), method of learning (p<0.001), and propensity to learn (p<0.05) were found to be statistically significant, and the model’s explanatory power was 40.0%. Conclusion: As a result of this study and considering that advanced medical devices such as computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing and three-dimensional printers are becoming more common and up-to-date in clinical settings, it is determined that nursing and dental health students require education to improve their repair skills.

Purpose: The present study is an analysis of the extents of class satisfaction of college students who had applied the design thinking technique to capstone design class. Methods: The experimental method involved an analysis of 122 cases of data where advance and post replies were performed for the subject by students who had applied the design thinking technique and students who had not. The students involved had attended the capstone design class as a junior in the Department of Dental Technology at D University. Results: In the satisfaction with performance process of the capstone design class, five questions among nine had a high positive rating, while all eight questions on the satisfaction with performance methods had a high negative rating. Among ten questions on subjective learning outcomes, six showed a high positive rating. After the application of the design thinking class method, all mean values of the group with the application were higher than the group with no application in satisfaction with performance process, satisfaction with performance method, and subjective class outcomes. Hence, the design thinking class did have positive effects on the students’ improvement of class. Conclusion: Based on the results of the study, it is implied that the considerations about diverse class composition methods and operation methods capable of improving the students’ satisfaction are needed for efficient operation of the capstone design class.

Purpose: In this study we aimed to evaluate the accuracy of custom implant abutments fabricated using two different 5-axis milling machines. Methods: Twenty custom abutments were designed using computer-aided design software (3Shape Dental Designer, 3Shape) and milled using two different 5-axis milling machines. The fabricated abutments were scanned using an intraoral scanner (Medit i700, Medit), and their accuracy was assessed by determining trueness and precision using root mean square deviations and color difference maps. Results: The marginal and external surface trueness was not significantly different between the two groups. However, the external surface precision demonstrated a significant difference, indicating variabilities in milling performance. Conclusion: Both milling machines tested produced clinically acceptable custom abutments; however, variations in precision highlight the importance of selecting the appropriate machine and milling parameters. Future studies should examine other factors that influence milling accuracy.

Purpose: The color of dental zirconia is very important in terms of aesthetics. To reproduce the color tone, a colorant is applied to zirconia to express the color tone. I would like to point out that the color, brightness, and saturation of the colorant used to express the color A3 may vary depending on the manufacturer. Methods: Each zirconia block received a total of 25 circular specimens for the experiment. The zirconia specimen was then deposited by colorant type to reproduce the color tone. Color differences and translucency were measured using a spectrophotometer. To compare and analyze the zirconia color according to the type of colorant, one-way ANOVA was used. Results: For each type of zirconia colorant, there was no statistically significant difference in translucency or b* (p>0.05). There was a statistical difference in L* and a* (p<0.05). Conclusion: The ΔE*ab (D65) value is less than 5.5 or less, and the color difference is within an acceptable range.

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the association between the dental prosthesis condition and oral health problems in older Koreans. Methods: This study used primary raw data from the 9th (2022) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. A total of 1,323 people aged ≥65 years were included in the study. Frequency and cross-analyses were performed (p<0.05). Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 21.0 (IBM). Results: Among the older group, 33.6% complained of chewing problems and masticatory discomfort, and 12.7% reported speech problems. The presence of upper and lower jaw implants and the need for partial and full dentures were significantly associated with chewing problems (p<0.05) and masticatory discomfort (p<0.05). The presence of upper and lower jaw implants and the need for dentures were significantly associated with speech problems (p<0.05). This indicates that the type and presence of dental prostheses are closely related to speech problems. Conclusion: Oral healthcare and prosthesis management for older people are essential to maintain oral health and improve the quality of life in an aging society. This study provides useful data for the establishment of policies promoting the oral health of older people and the development of dental prosthesis management programs.

Purpose: This study aims to examine the impact of instructor–learner interaction on online class satisfaction, perceived academic achievement, and online class preference. Methods: From December 20, 2023, to February 10, 2024, this study surveyed students in the medical and public health departments of K University and D University located in Gangwon-do and Daejeon, respectively. Results: In the online class environment, instructor–learner interaction showed a significant positive correlation with online class satisfaction, academic achievement, and online class preference. On re-examination using regression analysis, it was found that among the subfactors of instructor–learner interaction, instructional support and instructor presence had a significant impact. Conclusion: The findings suggest that in an online learning environment, instructors must make efforts to help learners identify what they need to learn by repeatedly asking whether they understand the learning content and providing appropriate feedback.