title: Student perceptions of exodontia competency assessment in a UK dental school.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Modern medical and dental training has migrated from assessing only the quantity of procedures performed to a combined assessment of both competency and quantity. This study explores student perceptions of competency assessment in exodontia at a UK dental school.
  
  
  METHODS
  Anonymous questionnaires were distributed to dental students in years three, four and five at the School of Dentistry, Cardiff University (n=149). Responses consisted of dichotomous tick boxes and 5-point Likert scales, with thematic analysis of free-text responses. Discrete variables were analysed using simple descriptive statistics. Recurring themes were identified from the responses.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 129 questionnaires were returned (response rate 87%). Feedback from students indicated that they felt well prepared to undertake the competency assessment, agreeing that year three is the most appropriate year to assess competency (69%; n=86). In 50% of cases (n=65), the clinical supervisor was not present for the duration of the assessment. The undergraduate student body would like further teaching in the use of elevators (89%; n=114).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The competency assessment was deemed fit for purpose by the undergraduate student body. Further developments in the areas of clinical supervision and teaching on the use of elevators were considered and recommendations made to the School of Dentistry, Cardiff University. The current oral surgery course incorporates some of the recommendations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Surgery, School of Dentistry, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Redford
authors.affiliation: MOD Kinloss, Forres, Moray, UK.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Durkan
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Surgery, School of Dentistry, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sivarajasingam
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Surgery, School of Dentistry, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Emanuel
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004497:Education, Dental; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D012575:Schools, Dental; D013335:Students, Dental; D013515:Surgery, Oral / Q000193:education*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014081:Tooth Extraction; D006113:United Kingdom
keywords: competence; exodontia; extraction; oral surgery; undergraduate