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Background: Computer-assisted learning (CAL) has the potential to enhance learning outcomes and satisfaction. However, there are limited reports in the literature that describe or evaluate the implementation of this method to promote competency-based learning in removable partial denture (RPD) design. Therefore, this study aimed to: (1) compare the effectiveness of different learning methods using a 3D software-aided RPD design program, (2) evaluate the learning outcomes associated with these different methods following active learning, and (3) assess students' satisfaction., Methods: Forty undergraduate dentistry students were divided into four groups of ten students. Each group was assigned different learning methods for a period of 28 days using the CMU-3D RPD Design program. The learning methods included lecture-based learning (LBL), case-based learning (CBL), a combination of LBL and CBL, and a control group that did not engage in LBL or CBL. Following this period, participants in all four groups engaged in active learning activities related to RPD design. Learning outcomes were measured three times: prior to the experiment, after using the software, and after participating in active learning activities., Results: Analysis of pre- and post-training assessments using multiple-choice questions revealed that dental students in the combined LBL and CBL group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in test scores compared to baseline (p < 0.05). Notably, there were marked enhancements in comprehension, application, and analysis skills. Outcomes following active learning were significantly improved in groups with a foundation in lecture-based learning. Furthermore, all groups reported high levels of satisfaction (over 90%) after utilizing the software and participating in active learning activities., Conclusions: Computer-assisted learning, combined with active learning strategies, improves learners' outcomes and satisfaction. Learning RPD design through computer-assisted methods positively influenced learning outcomes, particularly when both lecture-based and case-based learning approaches were used. Active learning strategies resulted in more substantial improvements when applied to students with a strong foundation in lecture-based learning., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the Human Experimentation Committee of Faculty of Dentistry Chiang Mai University, Thailand (9/2023, February 22, 2023). Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2025. The Author(s).)

Objective: To determine if full crown preparation causes an increase in pulpal blood flow (PBF), indicating inflammation, in human subjects., Design: The experiments were carried out on 35 intact, mandibular posterior teeth in 13 subjects: 32 were abutments for 16 fixed bridges that replaced first molars; the other 3 were first premolars adjacent to abutment teeth that served as un-operated controls. Crown preparations were made using an air-rotor with water-spray under regional block anaesthesia (4% articaine with epinephrine 1:100,000). PBF was recorded with a laser Doppler flow meter (LDF) before and after administering the anaesthetic, with the LDF probe on the buccal enamel. PBF was then recorded from the abutment teeth with the probe on buccal dentine after preparing the buccal surfaces of both teeth, after completing the crown preparations, and after 1 and 7days. PBF was also recorded from the buccal enamel of the control teeth on each occasion., Results: The mean±S.D. PBF values before and after anaesthesia were 2.63±2.13 and 2.42±2.38P.U. respectively, which were not significantly different (Paired t-test). The mean values for the abutment teeth after buccal preparation, after complete crown preparation, and after 1 and 7days were 5.20±2.49, 4.53±2.52, 4.92±2.98 and 5.48±2.65P.U. respectively. The 4 values for each tooth were not significantly different (two-way RM ANOVA). In the control group, the values under all six conditions were not significantly different., Conclusions: Regional block anaesthesia produced no change in PBF, nor did full-crown preparation, neither immediately after the procedure nor 1 and 7days later., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)