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Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Dental Practicality Index (DPI) training using an online video on the treatment planning decisions and confidence level of dental undergraduates (DUs). Materials and methods Ninety-four DUs were shown 15 clinical case scenarios and asked to decide on treatment plans based on 4 treatment options. The most appropriate treatment plan had been decided by a consensus panel of experienced dentists. DUs then underwent DPI training using an online video. In a post-DPI-training test, DUs were shown the same clinical case scenarios and asked to assign the best treatment option. After 6 weeks, DUs were retested to assess their knowledge retention. In all 3 tests, DUs completed the confidence level scale questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the related-samples Wilcoxon signed rank test and the independent-samples Mann-Whitney U test with the level of significance set at p < 0.05. Results DPI training significantly improved the mean scores of the DUs from 7.53 in the pre-DPI-training test to 9.01 in the post-DPI-training test (p < 0.001). After 6 weeks, the mean scores decreased marginally to 8.87 in the retention test (p = 0.563). DPI training increased their confidence level from 5.68 pre-DPI training to 7.09 post-DPI training. Conclusions Training DUs using DPI with an online video improved their decision-making and confidence level in treatment planning.

Introduction YouTube TM is one of the most used social media platforms for healthcare information. Misinformation and poor educational content on this platform can exacerbate public anxiety and fear of root canal treatment. This study aims to investigate the quality of videos examining risks of root canal treatment on YouTube TM Methods: YouTube TM was searched using a combination of keywords relating to endodontic complications to replicate goal-orientated browsing. Video quality was assessed using a modified DISCERN score and global quality score by two authors independently. Manifest quantitative content analysis was used to capture information about the video and extent of interactions. The ten most viewed videos were further analysed in terms of the messaging and format of the videos. Results: The mean overall quality of the videos was relatively low (2.20). Videos produced by regulatory bodies had the highest mean score (3.00) and the shortest mean length (2 minutes 23 seconds) but had the fewest views and interactions. The poorest quality videos (mean 1.5) were produced by non-clinicians and news/media, which tended to be longer (mean 8 minutes 49 seconds) and received more engagement. Across all videos, information related to patient decision making tended to be poorly presented. Conclusions: The dental community, particularly institutions and organisations need to strategically create engaging videos to redress patients concerns about root canal treatment. This can counterbalance the existing misleading information and improve access to evidence-based content which will ultimately impact patient decision-making.

Introduction YouTube TM is one of the most used social media platforms for healthcare information. Misinformation and poor educational content on this platform can exacerbate public anxiety and fear of root canal treatment. This study aims to investigate the quality of videos examining risks of root canal treatment on YouTube TM Methods: YouTube TM was searched using a combination of keywords relating to endodontic complications to replicate goal-orientated browsing. Video quality was assessed using a modified DISCERN score and global quality score by two authors independently. Manifest quantitative content analysis was used to capture information about the video and extent of interactions. The ten most viewed videos were further analysed in terms of the messaging and format of the videos. Results: The mean overall quality of the videos was relatively low (2.20). Videos produced by regulatory bodies had the highest mean score (3.00) and the shortest mean length (2 minutes 23 seconds) but had the fewest views and interactions. The poorest quality videos (mean 1.5) were produced by non-clinicians and news/media, which tended to be longer (mean 8 minutes 49 seconds) and received more engagement. Across all videos, information related to patient decision making tended to be poorly presented. Conclusions: The dental community, particularly institutions and organisations need to strategically create engaging videos to redress patients concerns about root canal treatment. This can counterbalance the existing misleading information and improve access to evidence-based content which will ultimately impact patient decision-making.

Aim To compare the treatment planning decisions made by undergraduate and postgraduate dental students before and after training on the use of the Dental Practicality Index (DPI).Methodology One hundred and eight undergraduate and postgraduate dental students were randomly assigned to test (DPI) or control groups. The baseline knowledge was assessed in the first session; both groups were shown 15 clinical scenarios and asked to assign one of four treatment plan options (no treatment, simple treatment, complex treatment or extract). The most appropriate treatment plan had been agreed by a consensus panel of experienced dentists. The test group was then trained on the use of the DPI. In the second session, both groups were shown the same clinical scenarios again in a different order and asked to assign one of the four treatment plan options. Both groups completed the confidence questionnaire.Results Training with the DPI improved the test (DPI) group mean scores from 9.1 in the first session to 10.3 out of 15 in the second session, which was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.005) when compared to the control group mean scores of 8.9 in the first session to 9.2 out of 15 in the second session. The mean confidence score of the students was 6.5 out of 10. There was no correlation between self-reported confidence scores of the students and the treatment planning result scores.Conclusions The DPI aids in the systematic assessment and appropriate treatment planning of dental restorative problems by dental students.