Methods: In this experimental study, 50 dental students (20 male, 30 female), within the age range of 24-27 years that did not have any experience about periodontal flap techniques or resective osseous surgery techniques, were randomly assigned in a prospective study to either use the CAL program (n=25) or traditional methods (n=25). CAL group had self-directed learning at a computer class. A university professor (Department of Periodontics) taught the traditional group. Both groups participated in an equal examination consisting of 15 true/false questions. Chi–square and independence samples T test were used for data analysis.
Results: Students in the CAL program scored higher (12.88 for periodontal flap and 12.6 for resective osseous surgery) than those in the traditional group (10.24 for periodontal flap and 9.48 for resective osseous surgery) and this difference was statistically significant (P<0.001).
Conclusions: This study showed that CAL is more effective than traditional methods and can be used as an adjunct to traditional education or as means of self-instruction in teaching periodontal flap and resective osseous surgery techniques.