title: Student operator-assistant pairs: an update.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To seek the opinions of undergraduates using the operator-assistant pairs system.
  
  
  METHODS
  A five-year evaluation of third-, fourth- and fifth-year students using a short, anonymous questionnaire
  
  
  METHODS
  This study set out to evaluate, but does not attempt to formally assess, the system.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Most students enjoyed working in pairs, citing mutual support and collaborative learning as being the main advantages. However, 67% of responding third- year students, 79% of fourth-year students and 54% of fifth-year students indicated that they did not know why paired working had been introduced.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The majority of students found the pairs system advantageous over teacher-led situations. It encouraged greater efficiency, mutual support and help and collaborative learning.
authors.affiliation: Operative Dentistry and Endodontology, University of Manchester Dental School.
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Qualtrough
mesh_terms: D002982:Clinical Clerkship / Q000379:methods*; D003697:Delphi Technique; D003814:Dentistry, Operative / Q000193:education; D004497:Education, Dental / Q000379:methods*; D004526:Efficiency; D004708:Endodontics / Q000193:education; D004739:England; D006801:Humans; D010379:Peer Group; D017064:Process Assessment, Health Care; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013335:Students, Dental; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires