Perceptual ability tests correlate to performance on a rudimentary dental anatomy laboratory exercise.

Purpose: Objective of this study was to determine if perceptual abilities test (PAT), quantitative reasoning (QR), and academic average (AA) scores predict performance in a rudimentary dental anatomy laboratory exercise.

Methods: First-year dental students (n = 88) completed two identical wax carving exercises during the first and last weeks of the dental anatomy course. After being given detailed instructions and a wax block, students carved a cube and a semilunar shape using the wax subtraction technique. Using a rubric, students self-assessed their work as unsatisfactory, satisfactory, or ideal in the following areas: finish, sharpness, symmetry, and accuracy. Two calibrated and blinded faculty graded the exercise using the same rubric as the students. Cohen's kappa coefficient assessed faculty interrater reliability and student-faculty reliability. Changes in scores between the two exercises were evaluated using Wilcoxon signed rank and paired t-tests. Spearman's correlation coefficient and repeated measures analysis assessed the association between shape carving scores and DAT, QR, and AA scores.

Results: Faculty interrater reliability ranged from 0.2554 to 0.4186 for the assessed criteria over the two exercises. Student-faculty rater reliability ranged from 0.1299 to 0.4461. Only PAT scores correlated significantly to higher scores for the four grading criteria for both exercises. Student self-assessment improved with the second exercise.

Conclusions: This rudimentary exercise was useful to identify students early in their dental education who may require more guidance in other manual dexterity courses. Faculties require additional training and calibration. Self-assessment is a life-long process of critical thinking that students are just beginning to learn.