Preparedness of undergraduate dental students in the United Kingdom: a national study.
Aims To evaluate the self-perceived preparedness of final year dental undergraduate students in the United Kingdom.Methods Dental undergraduate students in their final year were invited by email through the Dental Schools Council (DSC) to provide their responses to an online preparedness assessment scale. The data analysis was carried out using the RUMM2030 software which is specifically designed for Rasch analysis, a measurement model based on item response theory.Results Students felt adequately prepared to carry out simple clinical procedures and communication skills. However, low scores were reported on ability to assess orthodontic treatment needs, treatment planning, crowns, endodontics, research skills, referral for suspected oral cancer and raising concerns regarding inappropriate behaviour of colleagues.Conclusions The scale used in this study explored the self-perceived preparedness on a range of cognitive, clinical and behavioural attributes. The data show that the students felt prepared for the majority of the attributes expected from dentists. However, a number of areas were identified where students may benefit from further training and consolidation.
Plymouth University, Peninsula Dental School, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 8AA.
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K
Ali
Institute of Applied Health Research, Birmingham, B15 2TT.
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Slade
Plymouth University, Peninsula Dental School, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 8AA.
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Kay
Plymouth University, Peninsula Dental School, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 8AA.
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Zahra
Plymouth University, Peninsula Dental School, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 8AA.
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Tredwin
D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004497:Education, Dental; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012649:Self Concept; D057566:Self Report; D013335:Students, Dental / Q000523:psychology*; D006113:United Kingdom