Study of factors related to the reflection abilities of dental trainees.
BACKGROUND
This study analysed the internal and external factors related to the reflection abilities of dental trainees.


METHODS
We created transcripts from oral presentations by the dental trainees of Hiroshima University Hospital (n = 35, 2012-2013) at a significant event analysis conference. The reflection depths were compared between the trainees of the university hospital and external clinical combination groups. We determined and statistically analysed the reflection depths.


RESULTS
At the end of training, a Mann-Whitney U-test revealed a significant difference in the median reflection depths of the groups (U = 66, W = 342 and P = 0.007). The results of multiple regression analysis indicated a significant relation between the reflection depth and external training completion (P = 0.024). There were no relations with other factors, including gender and academic background.


CONCLUSIONS
Experiences in external clinics create a close connection between the staff and trainees because communities of practice can cause deeper reflections. We need to create small groups in large-scale organisations such as university hospitals. This construct can be adapted not only for Japanese dental trainees but also for global dental and other medical trainees.
Department of Dental Education, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.
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T
Oto
Department of Advanced General Dentistry, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan.
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T
Obayashi
Department of Dental Education, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan.
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N
Taguchi
Department of Advanced General Dentistry, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan.
T
T
Ogawa
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004645:Empathy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D013335:Students, Dental / Q000523:psychology*
dental trainee; external training; reflection