THE EVALUATION OF 3 COMPUTER-ASSISTED-LEARNING PACKAGES FOR GENERAL DENTAL PRACTITIONERS

Two studies were undertaken to determine the acceptability of computer -assisted learning (CAL) to general dental practitioners. The first wa s a single programme in two parts designed to give experience in ortho dontic cases assessment and treatment planning, developed at the Brist ol Dental School. The second contained two modules, one on the plannin g and management of dental biopsy and the other on surgical endodontic s, developed within the Leeds Dental Institute. An identical self-admi nistered questionnaire was completed by participants in the evaluation study. Knowledge and skill gains were indicated following study of th e modules. The modules were also found to be easy to use and useful. T he CAL approach was rated positively compared to audio tapes, books an d journals, but a less consistent picture when CAL was compared with v ideotapes. The study provides evidence for the acceptability and poten tial of the CAL approach to general dental practitioners.