Anatomia radiográfica em ambiente virtual de ensino: desenvolvimento e validação de um aplicativo

Abstract

Dental radiology and imaging play a fundamental role in academic training, requiring mastery of anatomy and image interpretation for accurate diagnosis. Advances in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have significantly impacted the educational landscape, enabling new methodological approaches. In this context, the development of mobile applications emerges as an innovative tool to support the teaching and learning processes in oral radiology. This study aimed to develop and validate a web application called: Digital and Imaging Dentistry of UFC (ODIM-UFC), focused on teaching dental radiology and imaging. The research adopted a methodological approach based on co-design, involving both professors and students in the development of the tool. The application integrates theoretical content, vectorized radiographic images, and a quiz system, allowing students to test their knowledge and reinforce learning. To evaluate ODIM-UFC as an educational tool, a three-month validation process was conducted with undergraduate dental students from the Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Sobral campus, and with professors from anatomy and radiology disciplines, who were invited through the snowball sampling technique. The usability and acceptance of the application were assessed through structured questionnaires based on the System Usability Scale (SUS) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). A total of 60 dental students and 8 professors from higher education institutions working in the fields of anatomy and radiology participated in the study. The validation results indicate good internal reliability among both students and professors, as demonstrated by a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.86 for the level of technology acceptance and a mean score of 89.0 for the usability scale. This research resulted in the development and validation of ODIM-UFC, an educational application that can complement the teaching–learning process in radiographic anatomy.