Clinical Evaluation of Pit and Fissure Sealants Placed by Intern Dental Students After Tele‐Demonstration Technique

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Dental caries remains a major public health issue worldwide, particularly among children. Pit and fissure sealants represent a high-quality, evidence-based preventive measure. However, ensuring the reliability of their application by newly graduated intern dental students trained through tele-education remains an emerging area of growing interest. Thus, the current study aimed to assess the clinical success of pit and fissure sealants placed by intern dental students following tele-demonstration training compared to traditional training approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized controlled trial involved 100 mandibular first permanent molars in 50 children aged 7 to 9 years, treated by 20 dental interns assigned to two groups using a split-mouth design. One group received direct clinical demonstration, while the other received tele-education via a pre-recorded video. Sealant retention and marginal discolouration were assessed after a 3-month period. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in sealant retention (p = 0.766) or marginal discolouration (p = 1.000) between the two studied groups. The tele-education group had a slightly higher relative risk, but this was not clinically significant. CONCLUSION: Tele-demonstration can be used as a supplementary instructional modality for training dental interns in preventive procedures, reinforcing the use of innovative teaching tools while ensuring safe and high-quality patient care.