Original Article

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Issue : 2 | Page : 60 - 65

Dental Academics Enhancement using DENTEST Platform: A Randomised Controlled Trial

P. Iyapparaj 1, D. Prabu 2, R. Narendhira Arjun 3*

1Research Scholar, SRM Dental College, Ramapuram, Bharathi Salai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India 2Professor, Department of Public Health Dentistry, SRM Dental College, Ramapuram, Bharathi Salai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India 3* Post Graduate, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai Tamil Nadu, India

Address for Correspondence:

R. Narendhira Arjun Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai - 600077

Email id: 152412001.sdc@saveetha.com

Abstract

Introduction: The integration of gamification and peer mentoring represents an innovative approach to improving student motivation and performance in dental education. This study evaluated the impact of a mobile-based platform, DenSync, and its embedded gamified module DENTEST, on the learning outcomes of undergraduate dental students.

Materials and methods: A randomized experiment (n = 4,202) tested the gamified components of DENTEST (points and badges). Comparative analyses between groups were performed using non-parametric tests, while linear regression and mediation analyses assessed the association between gamified engagement (points, badges) and academic outcomes.

Results: In the large-scale trial, badge-based gamification increased question-attempt rates by 37 % and exam performance by 4.5 %, with top users achieving up to 23 % higher scores. The gamified groups (Points, Badges, and Combined) demonstrated significantly higher engagement than the control group, evidenced by a 37% increase in median question attempts (p = 0.016).

Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that peer-assisted gamification fosters self-managed learning, engagement, and knowledge retention in dentistry. Incorporating systems like DenSync into curricula could enhance traditional teaching through interactive and experiential digital learning.

Financial support and sponsorship

The authors would like to thank the Kedaireka Matching Fund Program, Directorate General of Higher Education, Research, and Technology, Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia for providing facilities and funding for this research.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest

How to Cite this article: P. Iyapparaj, D. Prabu, R. Narendhira Arjun. Dental Academics Enhancement using DENTEST Platform: A Randomised Controlled Trial. Int J Comm Dent 2025; 13(2); 60-65. DOI: https://doi.org/10.56501/intjcommunitydent.v13.i2.ijcd0080