Min Wu PhD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Lisa J. Koenig DDS, MS, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

John Lynch PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Thomas Wirtz MS, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Lei Ying PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To present a web-based interactive computer-aided training system that provides a self-instructional environment for the learning of interpretation of dental diagnostic images. Meaningful teaching cases can only be used to potential when these cases are properly annotated, saved, archived, and shared. This system includes an image archive, an annotation tool and a training tool. It has the potential to improve dentist’s ability to interpret radiographic images and therefore detect lesions at an earlier stage.

The training system was designed and developed at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee and Marquette University School of Dentistry (MUSoD). By sharing, storing and annotating images, the system has the potential to provide a vast archive of images including previously inaccessible and rare cases. The training tool is self-guided and interactive. It supports the processes of both detecting abnormalities on dental images and rendering a classification of those abnormalities. Feedback is provided immediately. Using the Questionnaire for User Interface Satisfaction (QUIS) as the evaluation instrument, thirty-six students from MUSoD tested the tool.

The training tool was perceived favorably by the dental students. All means are above the mid-point (4.5) of the scales. “Learning” had the highest rating at 6.41. This is a particularly positive aspect of the tool. Even though the students had limited interaction with the system, they found the tool to be easy to learn and straightforward to operate.

The system has the potential to be a valuable tool for education in dental radiology and can supplement the current method of teaching to further reinforce and improve dental students’ skills in interpreting dental radiographic images. This tool provides an alternative to lecture-based course presentations and simulates a one-on-one teacher-student learning environment.

Most teaching of radiographic interpretation in dental schools is done in large-group lecture format. This system has the promise to return the student to individualized and interactive learning.

Wu, M, Koenig, L, Lynch, J, Wirtz, T, Ying, L, Web-based Training System for Interpretation of Dental Images.  Radiological Society of North America 2007 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2007 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2007/5009520.html