Utility of Cadaveric Porcine Heads for Teaching Oral Surgical Procedures in an Australian Dental School: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Cadaveric models have traditionally been a mainstay of dental and medical education worldwide since their inception. In Australia, educators at dental schools were among the first to use cadaveric porcine heads in formal teaching in oral surgery. This practice has since fallen out of favour in most modern dental curricula. The aim of this pilot study was to determine the utility of cadaveric porcine models for oral surgery training from a student perspective (Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia). Methods: Thirty participants who were all third-year dental students attended a two-hour session comprising a 30 min lecture followed by a 90 min practical workshop. The lecture outlined the steps and supervision of students during the practical and was provided by a consultant maxillofacial surgeon. At the conclusion of the workshop, participants were asked to anonymously complete a printed questionnaire with eight questions related to their experience. Results: Prior to the workshop, two-thirds (61%) of participants felt that they had been taught the surgical procedure for raising mucoperiosteal flaps adequately in their dental school curriculum during their third year, although only 43% of students had assisted specialty residents in raising a mucoperiosteal flap and 14% reported having performed the procedure themselves. Almost all students (96%) agreed that the porcine model was useful for their dental education and that they would practice the exercise using the model again if provided with the opportunity. The questionnaire had a 93.33% completion rate. Conclusions: This pilot study indicates that porcine heads present a useful, low-cost adjunct in the learning of basic oral surgical procedures.

Keywords: dental education; mucoperiosteum; oral and maxillofacial surgery; oral surgery; pig head; porcine model; surgical flap.

Figure 1

Fresh porcine heads were sourced for an oral surgery workshop from a local abattoir (Warwick Farms, Warwick, QLD, Australia). Excess skin and fat were debulked for ease of transport and storage.

Figure 2

Intra-oral access was achieved by extending incisions through the buccal mucosa bilaterally.

Figure 3

Survey responses of the participants post completion of the session. (A) Theoretical knowledge of surgical technique for raising mucoperiosteal flap previously delivered in the school curriculum. (B) Theoretical knowledge of surgical technique for raising mucoperiosteal flap previously studied outside of the school curriculum. (C) Previous experience in assisting in raising the mucoperiosteal flap. (D) Previous experience in the raising the mucoperiosteal flap as the primary operator. (E) Perceived reinforcement of theoretical knowledge with practical application. (F) Perceived similarity between the pig head model and application to a clinical setting. (G) Perceived usefulness of the session. (H) Interest in repeating the exercise.