Discrimination training and formative evaluation for remediation in basic waxing skills

In a quasi-experimental design the "experimental" group (n = 6) received discrimination training and self-evaluation exercises on four waxing projects and four handpiece projects over 13 hours. An equivalent "conventional" group (n = 7) received verbal feedback with models on seven waxing projects over 13 hours. Both groups took a posttest using plastic molars with two-surface preparations to be restored in wax. In blind evaluations of final products, the experimental group outperformed the conventional group. Results demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of structured discrimination and self-evaluation training in improving motor skills.