title: The undergraduate preparation of dentists: Confidence levels of final year dental students at the School of Dentistry in Cardiff.
abstract: Objective To investigate the self-reported confidence and preparedness of final year undergraduate students in undertaking a range of clinical procedures.Methods A questionnaire was distributed to final year dental students at Cardiff University, six months prior to graduation. Respondents rated their confidence in undertaking 39 clinical procedures using a 5-point scale (1 = can undertake on own with confidence, 5 = unable to undertake). Students also responded yes/no to experiencing four difficulties and to three statements about general preparedness.Results 71% (N = 51) responded of which 55% (N = 28) were female. Over half reported being 'anxious that the supervisor was not helping enough' (57%) and 'relying heavily on supervisor for help' (53%). Eighty percent 'felt unprepared for the clinical work presented' and gender differences were most notable here (male: 65% N = 33; females: 93% N = 47). Mean confidence scores were calculated for each clinical procedure (1 = lowest; 5 = highest). Confidence was highest in performing 'simple scale' and 'fissure sealant' (mean-score = 5). Lowest scores were reported for 'surgical extractions involving a flap (mean-score = 2.28)', 'simple surgical procedures' (mean-score = 2.58) and the 'design/fit/adjustment of orthodontic appliances' (mean-score = 2.88).Conclusions As expected complex procedures that were least practised scored the lowest in overall mean confidence. Gender differences were noted in self-reported confidence for carrying out treatment unsupervised and feeling unprepared for clinical work.
authors.affiliation: Cardiff University, School of Dentistry, Heath Park, Cardiff.
authors.forename: A S M
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Gilmour
authors.affiliation: Cardiff University, School of Dentistry, Heath Park, Cardiff.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Welply
authors.affiliation: School of Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education, Cardiff University, University Dental Hospital and School, Heath Park, Cardiff.
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Cowpe
authors.affiliation: Cardiff Unit for Research and Evaluation in Medical and Dental Education (CUREMeDE), School of Social Science, Cardiff University, Glamorgan Building, Cardiff.
authors.forename: A D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Bullock
authors.affiliation: Cardiff University, School of Dentistry, Heath Park, Cardiff.
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Jones
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003813:Dentistry; D003815:Dentists; D004497:Education, Dental; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013335:Students, Dental