HAND SKILL AND LABORATORY OUTCOME AMONG STUDENTS FROM PANDEMIC ERA

Abstract

This study aimed to compare hand skill scores and laboratory outcomes among students at the Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University. A retrospective observational quantitative study was conducted using data from first-year students admitted through the Consortium of Thai Medical Schools (COTMES) admission track in the 2019 and 2022 academic years. Data included wax carving scores, chalk carving scores, and laboratory outcomes in dental anatomy and complete denture courses. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Mann–Whitney U test. The results showed that students entering the 2019 academic year had significantly higher wax and chalk carving scores than those entering the 2022 academic year (p < .0001). In contrast, students entering the 2022 academic year achieved significantly higher outcomes in the dental anatomy laboratory course (p = .0208). No significant difference was observed in the complete denture laboratory course between the two cohorts (p = .4507). In conclusion, differences in hand skill scores and laboratory outcomes were observed between students entering in the 2019 and 2022 academic years, representing cohorts before and after the pandemic era.

Keywords: Hand Skill, Outcome, Pandemic