Introduction:
Smartphones are widely used by people all over the world. The spectrum of its use has widened, from being used merely for communication, to being widely used for various activities like seeking information, learning and other educational activities. Technology has a significant impact on the field of education. Educational methods are expected to be dynamic and adaptive to the modern environment. [1] The use of mobile technology, like apps, in medical education could aid in the learning process of the students.
Dental students are relying on mobile phones, to access information pertaining to their study, thus shifting from desktop learning (D-learning) to mobile learning (M-learning). [2] This change could be attributed to the various advantages the latter possesses. One of them is demonstration of certain clinical and abstract concepts, with ease and clarity which are otherwise to be imagined by the student. The other is the freedom to access this source of information, anytime at their convenience. Dental journals are also available in the form of mobile apps and they provide access to their archives. Certain Apps have been designed to enable case based discussions, providing an opportunity to obtain and share more knowledge from other dental professionals. Few books too, are available in the form of apps, providing students, the advantage of obtaining revised version of the books in the form of updates, thus eliminating the need to buy newer editions. Scientific conferences, workshops etc have taken the help of apps to disseminate related scientific information to the students. General apps with educational uses can be extended to medical and dental education too, so that, they can be used in note taking, file organizing, imaging, voice recording, playing videos, group communication and cloud storage. [2] Though numerous mobile apps are available which could be effectively used in dental education their number is meagre when compared with medical educational apps. [3-5]
It has been reported that, there is no regulation on the content of the apps. [4,5] Few reviews have been published on the quality of medical apps. [6,7,8,9] A literature search was done, which revealed lack of reviews on the quality of dental educational apps and hence the present study was conducted. In relation to dental apps, only one review has been published on dental trauma apps for patients. [9]
Methodology:
The present study is, an evaluation of apps belonging to two major smartphone platforms namely, Android and Apple. Two smartphones were used to access these platforms [Sony Xperia C4 with Android OS (ver 5.0 Lollipop) and iPhone 6s (iOS 09)] A list of basic criteria for reviewing the apps was prepared, based on the previous studies [5-9]. Few additional criteria were added in the present study. The search was conducted from August 20th 2018 to August 22nd 2018. Only those apps which were, related to dental education and were in English language, were included in the study. From the iTunes store, only those apps were included which were developed for iPhone. The search terms used were ‘Dental’, ‘Dental Education’, ‘Caries’, ‘Endodontics’, ‘Periodontitis’, ‘Oral Cancer’, ‘Brushing’, ‘Orthodontics’ ‘Gingivitis’, ‘Oral Surgery’, ‘Maxillofacial Surgery’, ‘Malocclusion’, ‘Dental Trauma’, ‘Maxillofacial trauma’ ‘Pediatric Dentistry’, ‘Preventive Dentistry’, ‘Public Health Dentistry’ ‘Oral Pathology’, ‘Dental Anatomy’, Implants’, ‘Oral Mucosal lesions’, ‘Oral Medicine’, ‘Radiology’ and ‘Prosthodontics’. Applications related to games, veterinary dentistry, dental practice management, dental auxiliaries, patient education, patient motivation, general education and health professionals in general, were excluded. Two independent raters evaluated the applications. The rating criteria was discussed by the two raters and then rating was done separately. In case, there was a difference in the ratings, the third rater’s opinion was taken. Inter rater reliability was assessed. The reliability value was 0.82. The description given by the developer was checked and its features were recorded. Accordingly, each app was categorized based on the target group as related to, dental professionals, dental students or both. Applications were also categorized based on the specialty as Oral Pathology, Oral Medicine, Radiology, Prosthodontics, Orthodontics, Oral Surgery, Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Periodontics, Public Health Dentistry, Pediatric Dentistry, and General. The general apps included apps based on basic topics like dental anatomy and pharmacology. In addition, dental books, journal and scientific magazines, dental dictionary, dental events / news, Dental Associations, Dental Institutions, competitive exams related and others (quiz, flashcards, mnemonics) were also included in general apps. Apps were downloaded when needed (if description was not clear or sufficient or if more details were required to assess the app). When an application was present on both platforms, the ratings were summed up as was done in the previous study. [6] The applications were also assessed in terms of, involvement of dental professional in its development, applicability, average rating, total number of ratings, purpose of the application, cost of application and user feedback. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Areas that can be targeted for development of apps in future were also listed.
Results:
A total of 235 apps and 237 apps, were retrieved from android and iPhone stores respectively, using the above mentioned search terms. Among them 107 were excluded from the android apps and 132 were excluded from the iPhone apps as they did not fulfill the inclusion criteria. Thus 105 android apps, eighty two iPhone apps and twenty three apps common to both the platforms were included in the study.
Among them, apps related to general dentistry were seventy-nine (android), sixty-eight (apple) and eighteen (common to both). Among the specialty related apps exclusive to android, maximum (8 apps) were orthodontics related, followed by oral surgery (5 apps). In relation to exclusive iPhone apps, maximum (4 apps) were found in relation to surgery and only one app was found in relation to both radiology. In addition, no apps were found related to dental public health in both the platforms. Among the general apps, most (80 apps) were related to dental Events, Institutions, Dental Associations and Exams which provided educational information. This was followed by dental anatomy and pharmacology apps. (See Table 1)
| Table 1: Distribution of Dental Educational Apps Based on the Focus of the App |
|
Categories |
Android |
Apple |
Both |
Total |
1 |
General |
|
|
|
|
Dental Anatomy |
08 |
04 |
02 |
14 |
Dental Trauma |
01 |
0 |
0 |
01 |
Journals and Scientific Magazine |
09 |
04 |
06 |
19 |
Books |
04 |
01 |
05 |
10 |
Dictionary |
04 |
04 |
01 |
09 |
Dental Pharmacology |
08 |
0 |
0 |
08 |
Dental events/news |
06 |
26 |
02 |
34 |
Exam related |
08 |
11 |
01 |
20 |
Dental Associations and institution |
18 |
05 |
0 |
23 |
Miscellaneous (quiz, instruments, flashcards and mnemonics) |
13 |
13 |
01 |
27 |
2 |
Prosthodontics |
03 |
02 |
00 |
05 |
3 |
Conservative dentistry and Endodontics |
02 |
01 |
01 |
04 |
4 |
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery |
05 |
04 |
01 |
10 |
5 |
Oral Pathology |
02 |
02 |
01 |
05 |
6 |
Oral Medicine |
00 |
00 |
01 |
01 |
7 |
Dental Radiology |
02 |
01 |
00 |
03 |
8 |
Periodontics |
04 |
02 |
01 |
07 |
9 |
Orthodontics |
08 |
02 |
01 |
11 |
10 |
Pediatric Dentistry |
00 |
01 |
00 |
01 |
11 |
Public Health Dentistry |
00 |
00 |
00 |
00 |
^ Few specialty apps are developed for more than one subject and have been considered under all the concerned specialties. |
Among the total apps reviewed, 128 were freely available. Of the total paid apps, forty-seven were priced below Rupees 100. Eight were priced above Rupees 5000. Eighty-six android apps had less than 1000 downloads. Download range has not been specified in iTunes store. 161 apps were developed by dental professional. Eighty-nine apps were exclusively for dental professionals followed by sixty-six apps for both students and professionals and fifty-five apps for students. Sixty-eight apps had versions in the range of 1-2 and sixty-one apps had versions in the range of 0-1. Around 150 apps had global applicability. About 127 apps were updated in the past fifteen months. A total of 111 apps were rated, of which sixty-nine were rated above 4. Eighteen Apps had more than hundred ratings. (See Table 2)
| Table 2: Distribution of Dental Educational Apps in Relation to their Features |
Features of the Apps |
Android |
Apple |
Both |
Total |
Target population |
a. Students |
31 |
50 |
08 |
89 |
b. Dental Professionals |
30 |
23 |
03 |
56 |
c. Both Students and Professionals |
44 |
10 |
12 |
66 |
Payments |
a. Paid |
29 |
27 |
06 |
62 |
b. Free |
68 |
48 |
12 |
128 |
c. Free with in app purchases |
08 |
08 |
05 |
21 |
Price Range |
a. Free |
68 |
48 |
12 |
128 |
b. < Rs. 100 |
17 |
23 |
07 |
47 |
c. Rs. 100 - 1000 |
03 |
06 |
01 |
10 |
d. Rs. 1000 - 5000 |
13 |
04 |
01 |
18 |
e. Rs. 5000 – 10000 |
04 |
02 |
02 |
08 |
Downloads |
a. Up to 1000 |
70 |
-^ |
16 |
86 |
b. 1000-5000 |
11 |
|
04 |
15 |
c. 5000 – 10000 |
06 |
|
02 |
08 |
d. 10000- 50000 |
14 |
|
01 |
15 |
e. Above 50000 |
04 |
|
0 |
04 |
Involvement of Dentist/ Dental team/ Organization in development |
a. yes |
78 |
64 |
20 |
162 |
b. no |
27 |
19 |
03 |
49 |
Applicability of app |
a. Local |
23 |
35 |
03 |
61 |
b. Global |
82 |
48 |
20 |
150 |
Year of app update |
a. 2011-12 |
0 |
03 |
0 |
03 |
b. 2013-14 |
07 |
08 |
0 |
15 |
c. 2015 -16 |
34 |
26 |
05 |
65 |
d. 2017-18 |
64 |
46 |
18 |
128 |
Average Rating for the app |
a. 0 or No rating |
20 |
75 |
05 |
100 |
b. Up to 2 |
03 |
01 |
0 |
04 |
c. 2 - 4 |
30 |
03 |
05 |
38 |
d. Above 4 |
52 |
04 |
13 |
69 |
Number of Ratings |
a. Up to 100 |
89 |
82 |
21 |
192 |
b. 100 - 500 |
15 |
0 |
01 |
16 |
c. 500 – 1000 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
d. Above 1000 |
01 |
0 |
01 |
02 |
| ^ Download range has not been provided for iPhone apps. |
Apps with ratings above 3 and having more than hundred ratings have been listed. (See Table 3)
| Table 3: Characteristics of Dental apps with maximum number of ratings and rated above 3 |
Name of the App |
Paid/
Free |
Cost in Rs. |
Downloads |
Involvement of Dentist |
Target Population |
Platform |
Version |
Applicability |
Year of Launch/Update |
Specialty |
Rating |
No of ratings |
Bone Box - Dental Lite |
Free |
0 |
> 50,000 |
No |
Students and Professionals |
Apple and Android |
2.3 |
Global |
2015 |
Dental anatomy |
4.5 |
2917 |
Dental Board Mastery : NBDE 2 |
Free with in app purchases |
Rs. 5,890.64 per item |
>5,000 - < 10,000 |
Yes |
Students |
Apple and
Android |
varies with device |
Global |
2017 |
General |
4.5 |
134 |
Dental Study |
Free |
0 |
> 10,000 - <50,000 |
Yes |
Students |
Android |
4.03 |
Global |
2016 |
Prosthodontics |
4.4 |
169 |
Radiodent |
Free |
0 |
<10,000 - > 50,000 |
Yes |
Students |
Android |
3.1 |
Global |
2015 |
Radiology |
4.3 |
250 |
Mnemonic |
Free |
0 |
> 50,000 |
Yes |
Students |
Android |
1 |
Global |
2015 |
General |
4.2 |
436 |
Orodental Lesions |
Free |
0 |
> 10,000 - <50,000 |
Yes |
Students and Professionals |
Apple and Android |
1 |
Global |
2013 |
Oral medicine and oral pathology |
4.2 |
189 |
NBDE
Flashcards |
Free with in app purchases |
269 - 821 |
> 10,000 - <50,000 |
Yes |
Students |
Android |
1 |
Global |
2017 |
General |
4.1 |
103 |
Dental Anesthetic |
Free |
0 |
> 10,000 - <50,000 |
Yes |
Students and Professionals |
Android |
1.9 |
Global |
2017 |
Dental Pharmacology |
4 |
311 |
EDental World |
Free |
0 |
>5,000 - < 10,000 |
No |
Professionals |
Android |
1.3 |
Global |
2017 |
General |
4 |
203 |
All Things Dentistry |
Free |
0 |
> 50,000 |
Yes |
Students and Professionals |
Android |
1.4 |
Global |
2013 |
General |
3.9 |
137 |
Dental Dictionary Lite |
Free |
0 |
> 10,000 - <50,000 |
Yes |
Students |
Android |
0.1 |
Global |
2017 |
General |
3.8 |
236 |
Real Tooth Morphology Free |
Free |
0 |
> 10,000 - <50,000 |
No |
Students |
Android |
2.3 |
Global |
2017 |
Dental anatomy |
3.7 |
128 |
Dental Anatomy |
Free |
0 |
> 50,000 |
Yes |
Students |
Android |
2.3 |
Global |
2017 |
Dental anatomy |
3.6 |
399 |
Specialty topics which could be focused for development of mobile apps in future has been listed. (See Table 4)
| Table 4: Focus of existing apps and topics that could be utilized for development of apps in future |
|
Focus of existing apps |
Targets for future apps |
Prosthodontics related apps |
Impression techniques (Notes and pictures) |
Implant supported prosthesis |
|
Anatomical landmarks |
|
Demonstration of denture preparation procedures |
|
Designing dentures |
|
Abutment preparation |
Conservative dentistry and endodontics related apps |
Cavity cutting (high resolution CT scan images) |
Apps for practicing |
Basic aspects of Root canal Treatment (notes and videos) |
Periapical Surgeries |
|
Root canal Procedures |
|
Inlay and Onlay procedures |
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery related |
Complications during surgery |
Simulation apps for practicing :
Tooth extraction Procedure |
Maxillofacial trauma scoring |
Information on Sonic tools for dental implant placement |
Facial trauma management |
Demonstration of few nerve blocks (AR and VR) |
Basic Resuscitation |
Suturing techniques (3D animations) |
Cleft lip and palate surgeries |
|
Local Anaesthesia techniques |
|
Demonstration of various types |
|
of maxillofacial trauma |
Periodontics |
Periodontal surgery video |
Biofilm formation |
Periodontal Disease diagnosis |
Demonstration of flaps and osseous surgeries |
|
Implant surgeries |
Pediatric Dentistry |
Model analysis |
Various Pedodontics related Appliances |
|
Preventive procedures |
|
Management of emergencies in children |
|
Pediatric resuscitation |
Public Health Dentistry |
|
Epidemiology |
|
Program Planning |
|
Dental Indices, |
|
Preventive Procedures |
|
Fluoride analysis |
Oral Medicine |
Features of oral lesions |
Interactive animated cases for students to practice diagnosing various oral diseases. |
|
Risk assessment of oral diseases |
Radiology |
Notes on Radiographic techniques |
Radiographic appearance of diseases |
Landmarks |
Angulations for taking radiographs, |
Errors |
Demonstration of CT scan, MRI, ultrasound |
Oral Pathology |
Microscopic features, Pathological features of oral lesions |
Demonstration of the following using 3d animation: |
Differential diagnosis of oral lesions |
Initiation and progress of oral cancer and precancerous lesions. |
|
Development of teeth and oral structures |
Orthodontics |
Cephalometric and model analysis |
Simulation apps for practicing various orthodontic procedures |
|
Orthodontic appliances |
Discussion:
Students use newer technologies to supplement traditional learning methods. Decades before, the only sources of acquiring scientific information were lectures, textbooks and journals. Technological advances have provided students with more efficient tools for enhancing the learning process. Initially, it was the computers and laptops which formed a major supplemental means of acquiring scientific information. With the advent of smart phones having faster processor, increased memory, better camera and reduced size, presently smart phones are the preferred means of acquiring educational information. Smart phone apps are being increasingly used by healthcare students including dental students for educational purpose. [10, 11] Even for the practicing dentists, continuous updating of knowledge is very important, but at the same time, very challenging due to time constraints. [12] A study reported that majority of the medical students used drug reference and disease diagnosis and management apps to support their educational activities. [10] Another study showed that third year dental students used smartphones more frequently as compared to their juniors for studying. [11]
Apps are software programs designed to run on mobile device to accomplish a specific purpose. They are considered to be an interactive way of acquiring and communicating knowledge. [13] In the present study, apps from Google play and iTunes store were selected, as they are the ones having major market share. [14] The present topic was selected for the study as there is a lack of information on the quality of dental educational apps.
General Features of the Apps
There is no regulation on the expertise of people involved in the development of a health app and also on the accuracy of its content. [4,5] This could affect the validity of the data provided by the app. Dental professional’s involvement in the development of apps is thus very important. Majority of the apps reviewed in the present study were developed by dentist or dental teams. In contrast to this, a study found that most of the medical apps lacked the involvement of medical professional. [6]
In the present study, it was observed that there were forty-five specialty related apps and 165 general apps. When the specialty related apps were further classified, it was observed that most of the subjects had only around two to six apps, except for orthodontics which had eleven apps. Only one application each related to oral medicine and pediatric dentistry was found. No apps were found pertaining to public health dentistry. These are the areas which could be effective targets for the apps to be developed in future.
Majority of the apps were free and mainly targeted towards students. Among the paid apps the prices of majority of them range up to Rs.100. The most expensive app (Cell to Cell movies) was priced Euro 955. Around 67% of the apps had only up to 1000 downloads. No data on downloads was available on iTunes store. More than 2/3rd of the apps were global applicable. Most of the apps were launched/updated within the last fifteen months.
General Apps
Among the general apps, fifty-seven apps were related to organizations, associations and institutions, Dental events and news, providing information on newer techniques, materials, scientific events and developments. The next category of general apps was the dental dictionary apps which provide information on dental terminologies. A study reported that, dental dictionary app, MCQs app and app on description of dental tools were the top choices of students for learning. [14] Presently, there are nine dictionary related applications pertaining to dentistry. The meanings of various dental terms related to dental instruments, materials, diseases and treatments have been provided. Among the dictionary apps, ‘Dental Dictionary Lite’ received maximum number of ratings. ‘Dental Professions Dict TR’ is the most expensive app among the dictionary apps followed by ‘Öperator’s Dictionary’. Two dictionary related apps contain pictures with meanings of the terms. Only one app exists (Dental Instruments app) which focuses on the basic dental instruments and provides information regarding the same. However it is not comprehensive, lacking information on certain instruments like, scalers, handpieces, burs and other surgical and implant related instruments. It lacks description for few instruments and contains only pictures of the. Grasps used for the instruments, their placement and the technique of use, could also be included in such apps. The next group includes twenty-seven apps based on Mnemonics, Flashcards, Quizzes and other general dental apps to enhance learning. Flashcard related apps provide an opportunity for reinforcement of information. A study conducted, using a general flashcard related app (Anki App) for generating oral medicine and oral pathology flashcards reported significant improvement in knowledge of the study group. [15] Among the mnemonic apps, the app named ‘Mnemonic’ had maximum number of ratings. None of the flashcard apps reviewed had ratings above thirty. Few of these apps were, disorganized, lacked accurate information and were found to be uninteresting by the users. Around twenty Exam related apps were found providing guidance, question papers, keys and practice sessions. Among them, ‘Dental board mastery’ received maximum number of ratings. Few of these apps, also use mnemonics and flashcards to train the students. User feedback indicated that few of these apps, contained spelling mistakes, lacked explanations for the answers, contained questions whose answers could be easily guessed.
Dental anatomy related apps provide information regarding the shape and structure of the various parts of oral cavity. There are fourteen apps related to dental anatomy. One of the app, provides real time 3D image that can be rotated, helping the learner to understand clearly. There is a lack of apps, on histological aspects of oral tissues, head and neck anatomy and the anatomy of other structures of the oral cavity. Though none of the dental anatomy apps concentrate on the head and neck anatomy, few general anatomy apps include head and neck anatomy as a component. Other dental anatomy apps are in the form of text with pictures as found in most of the textbooks. One of the apps (Bone box dental lite) provides, real time 3D image which helps the students visualize and understand dental anatomy better. Again, this lacks information on other structures of the oral cavity. This app has received maximum number of ratings among the dental anatomy apps. A study has reported that Mobile Augmented Reality application contributed to the formation of an effective and productive learning environment when used to teach general anatomy. [16] Presently, there is only one dental anatomy related mobile app (Teeth Anatomy App), which uses augmented reality (AR) technique. It allows various parts of the tooth and surrounding structures to be segregated for studying and to get the model from virtual to real life situation. In future, there is a scope for the development of mobile augmented reality applications. Another area, where apps could be utilized effectively is, in the study of anatomy and movements of Tempero-mandibular Joint (TMJ) and its disorders. The movements of TMJ have to be imagined by the students, which makes it slightly difficult to understand. Augmented Reality can be effectively used to demonstrate its anatomy and movements. There is only one app (Accident) on management of dental trauma for dental professionals which provides information on various types of dental trauma and their management.
Pharmacology based apps for dentists provide information on, various drugs, anesthetics; their indications, contraindications, properties and dosages. Around eight apps were found related to dental pharmacology. ‘Dental Anesthetic’ app received maximum number of ratings. User feedback indicated that few of these apps, had very little information about contraindications, lacked clarity and were disorganized.
A few books and journals related to dentistry also are available in the form of apps enabling students to access resources at their convenience, which in the past would be accessed mainly from the institutional library. The advantage of books being available as apps is that they will be updated in future thus eliminating the need to buy newer editions [17] Presently, only about ten books are available in the form of apps, only about half of them being specialty based. Nineteen journals and scientific magazines related apps are available.
Specialty Apps
Specialty apps were relatively less in number as compared to the general apps. In the Google Play and iTunes store, the specialties which had maximum apps were Orthodontics and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery respectively. Only one app was common to both the stores in relation to Endodontics, Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine Periodontics and Orthodontics. No app was found in relation to Dental Public Health.
Simulation apps help to develop technical skills. Medical students learn medical and surgical procedures by practicing on patients and this carries a risk of causing harm to the patients. Presently with the advent of simulation, simulation based apps could play a vital role in training the students with no risk of harming patient and also providing for a form of concrete experience. [18] Simulator dental apps are available, that help the students practice clinical procedures with Virtual reality glasses. ‘Cavsim’ is one such app which uses 3D micro CT scan image. It can be used for demonstrating cavity preparation for amalgam and composite restorations. Students can see the tooth model and the cavity preparation in all dimensions and also it can be zoomed for better observation. However, this app shows individual tooth, thus the management of proximal contact during cavity cutting is excluded. Excluding this, there are three endodontic apps, which mainly contain notes on root canal procedure and case reports. Among the endodontic apps, ‘Endolit’ belongs to the above mentioned group and has received maximum number of ratings. A virtual reality app could be useful in this aspect as it could allow beginners to practice the steps of root canal procedure in the virtual model. In relation to prosthodontics, five apps were found. Among these, three apps had information containing text matter with illustrations on various dental materials including alginate and rubber base impression materials and procedures. One of the apps ‘Dentistry Proconsult’ has information on prosthodontic procedures along with videos. Among the prosthodontic apps, ‘Dental Study’ has received maximum number of ratings. More apps could be developed on removable partial denture designs, demonstration of abutment preparations, implant placement techniques etc. Around ten oral and maxillofacial surgery apps were found, among which one was based on augmented reality. This app ‘Dental Simulator’ allows the learner to practice nerve block technique. However it includes only limited nerve blocks. Another app ‘ZS Maxillofacial trauma scoring system’ provides information on classification of severity of maxillofacial trauma. Three apps were related to demonstration of different types of sutures; one of them contained related videos too. Other apps were based on surgical complications and their management and sonosurgery instruments. Among the oral surgery apps maximum ratings were obtained by ‘Dental Simulator’ and ‘Oral Surgery Complications’. Apps could be developed to allow students to practice surgical procedures. One such simulator app ‘Touch Surgery’ is available for medical students for step by step practice of surgeries. This app has a training mode to provide information regarding these surgeries. Similar apps could be developed for dental students too.
Seven apps related to Periodontics were found. One was by the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) which provides, information on Periodontics related developments and access to the AAP journals. Another app provides information on periodontal surgery using 3D videos. One of the apps ‘Cell to Cell movies’ uses animation with high definition to demonstrate processes like Osseo integration, Periodontal regeneration and Inflammatory reactions. Another app, demonstrates about twenty different suturing techniques related to periodontics using 3D animation. None of the periodontal apps received more than ten ratings. Eleven orthodontic related apps were found. Among them, six were related to cephalometric and model analysis techniques. Other apps provide information on, mini implants insertion and management and recent developments in the field of orthodontics. Users reported that few of these apps need to be more detailed.
Five oral pathology and one oral medicine related apps were found which provided information on various oral diseases, their clinical features, microscopic features and management. Among these apps, ‘Orodental Lesions’ received maximum number of ratings. User feedback suggests that few of these apps lack picture clarity and did not cover the topic extensively. ‘Dental Radiographs’ and ‘Dentora’ apps are related to dental radiology containing information on radiographic techniques, landmarks and errors. Apps focusing on other imaging techniques could also be useful in dental education.
Dental Public Health Topics like, Epidemiology, Risk assessment of diseases, Fluoride estimation, Surveys and Program planning could be effective targets for future apps. The role of risk factors in disease could be demonstrated well using apps.
One of the limitations of the present study is that it concentrates on 2 smartphone platforms; others (Blackberry and Nokia) were not included. In future, content analysis of specific apps related to a particular subject could also be conducted to provide more information.
Conclusion:
Mobile apps related to dental education, especially the specialty related apps are in their stage of infancy. There is immense potential for development of academically useful apps pertaining to dentistry. Supplementing dental related mobile apps with traditional teaching could help in improving the learning process and skills of dental students.
Conflicting Interest:
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.
References
- Rung A, Warnke F, Mattheos N. Investigating the Use of Smartphones for Learning Purposes by Australian Dental Students. JMIR mHealth uHealth 2014;2(2):e20
- Mohapatra DP, Mohapatra MM, Chittoria RK et al. The scope of mobile devices in health care and medical education. Int J Adv Med Health Res 2015;2:3-8
- Khatoon B, Hill KB, Walmsley AD. Can we learn, teach and practise dentistry anywhere, anytime? Br Dent J. 2013 Oct;215(7):345-7
- Djemal S, Singh P. Smartphones and dental trauma: the current availability of apps for managing traumatic dental injuries.Dent Traumatol. 2016 Feb;32(1):52-7.
- Subhi Y, Bube SH, Rolskov Bojsen S et al. Expert Involvement and Adherence to Medical Evidence in Medical Mobile Phone Apps: A Systematic Review. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth. 2015 Jul 27;3(3):e79
- Brewer AC, Endly DC, Henley J et al. Mobile applications in dermatology. JAMA Dermatol. 2013 Nov;149(11):1300-4
- Wong MC, Fung K. Mobile applications in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2015 Apr;152(4):638-43.
- Bender JL, Yue RY, To MJ et al. A lot of action, but not in the right direction: systematic review and content analysis of smartphone applications for the prevention, detection, and management of cancer. J Med Internet Res. 2013 Dec 23;15(12):e287.
- Shen N, Levitan MJ, Johnson A et al. Finding a depression app: a review and content analysis of the depression app marketplace. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth. 2015 Feb 16;3(1):e16.
- Payne KB1, Wharrad H, Watts K. Smartphone and medical related App use among medical students and junior doctors in the United Kingdom (UK): a regional survey. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak. 2012 Oct 30;12:121.
- Khatoon B, Hill KB, Walmsley AD. Dental students' uptake of mobile technologies. Br Dent J. 2014 Jun;216(12):669-73
- Nayak PP, Rao NS, Ali AKS, Thadeethra MJ. Keeping up with dental literature: A study on continuing professional development among dental practitioners in Hubli-Dharwad. Indian J Clin Diagn Res 2017;11(4):ZC27-ZC30.
- Wallace S, Clark M, White J. ‘It’s on my iPhone’: attitudes to the use of mobile computing devices in medical education, a mixed-methods study. BMJ Open. 2012 Aug;2:e001099.
- IDC Research Inc. Smartphone OS market share Q2015. Available at http://www.idc.com/prodserv/smartphone-os-market-share.jsp
- Al-Rawi W, Easterling L, Edwards PC. Development of a mobile device optimized cross platform-compatible oral pathology and radiology spaced repetition system for dental education. J Dent Educ. 2015 Apr;79(4):439-47.
- Kucuk S, Kapakin S, Gtas Y .Learning anatomy via mobile augmented reality: effects on achievement and cognitive load. Anat Sci Educ. 2016 Mar 7. doi: 10.1002/ase.1603
- Ventola CL. Mobile devices and apps for health care professionals: uses and benefits. Pharmacy and Therapeutics. 2014 May;39(5):356.
- Bullock A, Webb K. Technology in postgraduate medical education: a dynamic influence on learning? Post grad Med J. 2015 Nov;91(1081):646-50. doi: 10.1136/postgradmedj-2014-132809. E pub 2015 Sep 4.
|
