Instructional Videos Demonstrating Periodontal Instrumentation on a Typodont with Simulated Calculus

Karo Parsegian; Manti Lehn; Amy DeStaffany; Nikola Angelov

doi:10.3791/70415

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Method Article

Instructional Videos Demonstrating Periodontal Instrumentation on a Typodont with Simulated Calculus

365 views

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DOI:

10.3791/70415

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August 11th, 2026

Karo Parsegian¹^,² , Manti Lehn¹ , Amy DeStaffany¹ , Nikola Angelov²

¹Division of Periodontics, Department of Diagnostic Sciences and Surgical Dentistry, University of Colorado Anschutz School of Dental Medicine, ²Department of Periodontics and Dental Hygiene, UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry

Summary

This manuscript reports on the development of a series of high-resolution instructional videos on periodontal instrumentation techniques using a typodont with plastic teeth coated with simulated supra- and subgingival calculus deposits. Dental students found the recorded videos useful and suggested directions for further development.

Abstract

Video‑assisted instruction can enhance the teaching and learning of periodontal instrumentation when visualization and content quality support clear demonstration of technique. This study aimed to describe the development of high‑resolution instructional videos demonstrating armamentarium and techniques on a typodont with simulated calculus, and to evaluate perceived usefulness among predoctoral dental students. The institutional review board determined that the study was exempt. Instructional videos were recorded in 8K resolution and demonstrated instrument selection, ergonomics, adaptation, angulation, and activation of strokes on a typodont with transparent gingiva and simulated supra‑ and subgingival calculus deposits. Perceived usefulness was evaluated through a brief anonymous survey with optional open-ended feedback. The same cohort was invited to evaluate both video sets, but anonymous responses could not be linked across surveys. Proportions were summarized with 95% Wilson score confidence intervals (CIs). Due to the study's descriptive design, no formal hypothesis testing was performed. Sixteen students completed the survey evaluating the previously used instructional videos; 37.5% rated them "Extremely useful" (95% CI [18.5, 61.4%]), and 50% rated them "Very useful." Fourteen students completed the survey evaluating the new videos; 64.3% rated them "Extremely useful" (9/14; 95% CI [38.8, 83.7%]), 28.6% "Very useful" (4/14), 7.1% "Slightly useful" (1/14), and no participant chose "Moderately useful" or "Not at all useful." All participants indicated they would refer to the new videos in the future. Descriptive categorization of 27 comments identified five recurring themes: clarity, zoom, technique, realism, and accessibility. Students valued improved resolution and close‑up views, while suggestions emphasized captions/written explanations and demonstrations on natural teeth. The findings further support the role of high-resolution instructional videos as useful adjuncts to preclinical periodontal instruction. Future studies should evaluate objective performance outcomes and explore additional content and accessibility features.

Introduction

High-quality periodontal instrumentation is essential for delivering excellent patient care, supporting skill development, and enhancing the patient experience. Various studies have shown that video-assisted clinical instruction in dentistry can effectively complement clinical teaching, enhance understanding in a non-threatening environment, and foster self-directed, active learning¹. At the University of Sydney (Westmead, NSW, Australia), the use of narrated instructional videos to teach dental local anesthesia improved psychomotor skills that required accuracy in 90% of students, which correlated positively with the number of video views....