Sim Man takes patient simulation to a whole new level

The team training approach in action.

Continually seeking to combine dental education with a whole-patient slant, The University of Colorado Denver School of Dental Medicine is among the first to institute curriculum-mandated whole patient simulation clinic for dental emergencies in U.S. dental schools.

Sim Man, as it is commonly known, is a unique and technologically sophisticated mannequin capable of replicating almost all medical emergency scenarios that any practitioner may encounter. The Sim Man boasts realistic pulse, respiration and heart beat feedback, including direct two-way voice communication with the on-site operator.

“The level of realism is quite impressive,” said Morris Clark, DDS, professor of oral and maxillofacial surgery at the School. “We use the Sim Man in a team training environment exactly as our students would encounter in a private practice setting. Students treat the Sim Man as if it were living flesh and blood – administering oxygen, medications, and should the situation call for it – intubation, defibrilation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques.”

“Utilizing simulation in the SODM clinic setting offers students the unique opportunity to practice managing medical emergencies specific to their environment, in their environment,” said Linda Dunn, whose team provides the Sim Man equipment.

The team sets about collecting vital signs on their patient.

“They learn experientially about patient assessment, problem recognition, decision making, teamwork and can benefit from making their mistakes on the simulator, rather than real patients.  In the long term then, this type of ‘learn-as-we-practice’ approach improves patient outcomes and thus reduces failures and their associated costs.”

The School began using the Sim Man experience as an extension of the Prevention and Management of Medical Emergencies Class two years ago and found the experience overwhelmingly successful in preparing students to enter independent practice with the tools necessary for real life emergencies. Despite being a simulation, the tension in the operatory is palpable when the “patient” begins complaining of shortness of breath and chest pain or begins seizure activities.

“The team training approach also has shown its merits by teaching care team members (including faculty) to work together and do so efficiently. The very fact that we’re using this technology in a dental environment is novel,” Dr. Clark continued. “We’re the first dental school in the United States to take this step forward. This meshes very well with the School’s emphasis on consciously treating the entire patient – not just the oral cavity. The oral-systemic connection is the new paradigm in modern dental education.”  

Dr. Morris Clark and Clinic Coordinator Deb Malley.