A preliminary acceptability study of learner perceptions and user experience of an angle-correction guide device for sickle scaler training.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the educational acceptability of a novel sickle scaler working angle guidance device (SS-WAGD) and learner experiences as a preliminary step for preclinical training. METHODS: Eighty dental hygiene students were randomly assigned to a control group (sickle scaler, n = 40) or an experimental group (SS-WAGD, n = 40). After five training sessions, practice satisfaction (learning satisfaction and confidence) was assessed. In the experimental group, user experience (pragmatic and hedonic quality) and intention to recommend were evaluated. Independent t-tests and Pearson correlation were performed. RESULTS: Practice satisfaction was higher in the experimental group than in the control group (4.73 ± 0.38 vs. 4.20 ± 0.82, P < 0.001, d = 0.83). Learning satisfaction and confidence showed similar patterns. User experience scores were positive (pragmatic, 2.56 ± 0.63; hedonic, 2.24 ± 0.84; overall, 2.40 ± 0.68). Practice satisfaction was positively correlated with user experience (r = 0.672, P < 0.001) and intention to recommend (r = 0.628, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This exploratory study suggests that the SS-WAGD has educational acceptability and may positively influence learner experiences. User experience was associated with intention to recommend, suggesting potential as an adjunctive tool. However, objective performance outcomes were not assessed.