Development of simulation game in patient data collection and treatment planning for dentist student

Abstract

This research is a design-based research aimed to develop a simulation game that enhances data collection skill for comprehensive treatment planning in dental students. This research comprises of 4 phases following the design-based research approach. First, the researchers analyzed the problems in the Comprehensive dental care course by interviewing the course instructors. Second, the researchers developed the design concept of the game. Third, the trial game was tested with 3 different groups of 4 dental students. The researchers interviewed these students after playing the game each round for any suggestions to improve the game plan. The fourth phase, the final draft of the game was implemented in 2 sessions of the comprehensive dental care class with the same group of 20 students in each session. The researchers observed the students’ behaviors during the sessions and interviewed the students about their learning experiences from the games. The research finding emphasized the significance of systematic approach for the development of simulation games to initiate self-learning process in the students. It started from the careful analysis of the learning objectives - to develop data collection skills and to help the dental students recognize the importance of getting patients’ background. It was then followed by comprehensive design, testing, and improvement of the game design. This resulted in the invention of the learning materials that are fun, easy to understand and capable of creating the long-lasting learning experiences that occur from within the students themselves through the direct exposure of simulated situations in the games.