Effectiveness of a Standardized Protocol in Teaching Indirect Crown Preparation for CAD/CAM Restorations

Aim:: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a standardized, evidence-based protocol for teaching posterior tooth preparation for CAD/CAM indirect restorations to undergraduate dental students, using prepCheck PRO 5.0 exclusively as an objective assessment tool. Materials and Methods: Thirty-three fourth- and fifth-year students performed a total of 40 clinical posterior preparations for indirect adhesive restorations in actual patients. Twenty students followed a structured CAD/CAM preparation protocol, while thirteen used conventional techniques. All preparations were digitally scanned and objectively evaluated with prepCheck PRO 5.0 for undercuts, margin quality, surface smoothness, and occlusal clearance. Students in the experimental group also completed a perception questionnaire. Results: The standardized protocol resulted in significantly higher rates of acceptable margin quality (85% vs. 40%, p = 0.006) and surface smoothness (80% vs. 35%, p = 0.008). The odds of achieving optimal margins and surfaces were more than 20-fold and 10-fold higher, respectively. Undercut presence and occlusal clearance showed no significant differences. Students reported increased confidence and strong support for integrating the protocol into preclinical training. Conclusion: A structured preparation protocol was associated with improved preparation quality and enhanced student confidence, supporting its integration into modern prosthodontic curricula.