Sealant Application by Interns After Tele-demonstration

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.

Methods:

A randomized controlled split-mouth clinical trial was conducted on a total of 100 mandibular first permanent molars in 50 healthy children aged 7-9 years attending the pediatric dental clinics. Twenty dental interns participated in the study and were randomly allocated into two equal groups based on the mode of training received. Group A interns received conventional in-person clinical demonstrations of the sealant application procedure by a pediatric dentistry specialist. Group B interns received remote tele-demonstration training via a standardized pre-recorded instructional video detailing each clinical step, from tooth isolation and acid etching to sealant application and curing. Clinical evaluation of sealant retention and marginal discoloration after 3 months period. Data were statistically analyzed and p value significance set at p < 0.05.

Keywords:

tele-dentistry, tele-demonstration, tele-education, dental interns, pit and fissure sealants, preventive dentistry, first permanent molar

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.