Abstract: PURPOSE: To study the value of digital technology in teaching orthognathic and trauma surgery. METHODS: Sixty-two dental undergraduates collected from China Medical University in 2009 were divided into two groups: control group and experimental group according to stratified cluster sampling (each group had 12 males and 19 females). Students in the control group were given lessons by means of traditional teaching method using multimedia slides, while students in the experimental group were given lessons combined with operation via digital software. Examination was organized for key content of teaching after class and students were asked to conduct self-evaluation of learning. SPSS17.0 software package was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The difference of exam scores and self-evaluation scores between the control group and experimental group was statistically significant. Exam score of the experimental group and the control group was 73.29±8.75 and 67.29±8.96, respectively(P＜0.05); self-evaluation score of the experimental group and the control group was 8.33±0.80 and 6.33±1.13, respectively(P＜0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Application of digital technology in teaching orthognathic surgery and traumatic surgery was helpful to improve students' learning interest and strengthen their clinical knowledge, which is worthy of wide application.

Key words: Digital technology, Orthognathic surgery, Traumatic surgery, Dental education